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  3. Budapest
  4. St. Stephen's Basilica

St. Stephen's Basilica, Budapest

Photo © Barney Livingston. View all images in our St. Stephen's Basilica Photo Gallery.
Photo © Giamesh.
Photo © Jim Moran.
Photo © Curious Expeditions.
Photo © Paul Charlesworth.
Photo © DDanzig.
Photo © Ian Koh.

Sheltering a sacred relic of King Stephen I, St. Stephen's Basilica in Budapest is the largest church in Hungary.

History

Construction on the Bazilika was completed in 1905 after over 50 years of construction. The dome collapsed in 1868, requiring the builders to start over from the ground up. Three leading architects, two of whom died before work was finished, directed the design.

After its completion, St. Stephen's was considered so sturdy that important documents and artworks were stored in it during World War II bombings. In 2002, St. Stephen's Square was remodeled as part of a new pedestrian area. In 2003, the church exterior was fully cleaned and renovated.

What to See

Today, the basilica's facade overlooks the grand Szent István tér (St. Stephen's Square), a great place to enjoy coffee at open-air cafes. The church is built in a Neoclassical style with similarities to St. Paul's Cathedral in London.

Over the main portal is a bust of King Stephen, Hungary's first Christian king and patron saint of the basilica. And inside the church is a reliquary with the "Holy Right" (Szent Jobb), the preserved right hand of King Stephen. It is Hungarian Catholicism's holiest relic.

Organ concerts are held at 7pm on Monday evenings from July through October.


Quick Facts on St. Stephen's Basilica

Site Information
Names:St. Stephen's Basilica; St. Stephen's Basilica, Budapest; Szent István-bazilika
City:Budapest
State:Budapest
Country:Hungary
cat:Churches; Shrines; Catholic Shrines
faith:Christianity; Catholic
style:Classical
Dates:1855-1905
Status:active
Visitor and Contact Information
Address:V. Szent István tér 33, Budapest, Hungary
Coordinates:47.500706° N, 19.053909° E  (view on Google Maps)
Opening Hours:Church: daily 7-7 except during services Treasury: daily 9am-5pm (10am-4pm in winter) Szent Jobb Chapel: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm (10am-4pm in winter), Sun 1-5pm Tower: Apr-Oct: Mon-Sat 10am-6pm
Cost:Church free; treasury 400 Ft; tower 500 Ft
Transport:Arany János utca (Blue line) or Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út (Yellow line)
Phone:1/317-2859
Website:www.basilica.hu
Lodging:View hotels near this location
Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

Map of St. Stephen's Basilica

Below is a location map and aerial view of St. Stephen's Basilica. Using the buttons on the left (or the wheel on your mouse), you can zoom in for a closer look, or zoom out to get your bearings. To move around, click and drag the map with your mouse.

References

  1. Frommer's Budapest & the Best of Hungary, 5th Edition.

More Information

Article Info

Title:St. Stephen's Basilica, Budapest
Author:Holly Hayes
Last updated:06/06/2010
Permalink:www.sacred-destinations.com/hungary/budapest-st-stephens-basilica
Link code:<a href="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/hungary/budapest-st-stephens-basilica">St. Stephen's Basilica, Budapest</a>