St. Stephen's Basilica, Budapest

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

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History of St. Stephen's Basilica

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 at St. Stephen's Basilica

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 · Szent István-bazilika
Categories:churches; shrines
Styles:Classical Greece
Dedication: St. Stephen of Hungary
Dates:1855-1905
Status: active
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:47.500706° N, 19.053909° E
Address:V. Szent István tér 33
Budapest, Hungary
Phone:1/317-2859
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
Lodging:View hotels near St. Stephen's Basilica
Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

References

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

More Information

© Barney Livingston
© Giamesh
© Jim Moran
© Curious Expeditions
© Paul Charlesworth
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© Ian Koh

Map of St. Stephen's Basilica, Budapest

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