St Stephen's Basilica

St Stephen's Basilica is the largest church in Budapest, a grand neo-Renaissance building crowned by a great dome, named for Hungary's founding king and holy patron. Inside, its most revered relic is the mummified right hand of St Stephen himself, and the dome can be climbed or reached by lift for a fine panorama over the city.

Background

St. Stephen's Basilica is named after Stephen, the first King of Hungary, who lived from about 975 to 1038 and whose right hand is kept in its reliquary. It was built between 1851 and 1906, measures 87.4 metres long and 55 metres wide, and rises to 96 metres. Its story began in the late 1810s, when about a thousand people formed the Lipótváros Parish and started raising money for a church. It is the co-cathedral of the Archdiocese of Esztergom-Budapest, the largest church in Budapest and the third largest church building in Hungary.

Source: Wikipedia, "St. Stephen's Basilica"

The main sights

• The Holy Right Hand - the mummified hand of St Stephen, the sacred relic.
• The dome and panorama - the climb or lift to the dome for the city view.
• The ornate interior - the marble, gold and paintings of the nave.
• The organ concerts - the recitals held in the basilica.

When to go

Year-round; a fully central sight good in any weather, though it is a working church, so parts close for services. A clear day suits the dome panorama.

Things to know

As a working church, the nave may be busy or restricted during services, and the dome charges. The relic is a small, macabre curiosity to some. It sits in a busy, pleasant square of cafes and restaurants.

Nearby

The Chain Bridge, the parliament and the Andrassy Avenue are within a short walk.

Key facts