St. Stephen's Basilica

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

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.

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.