St. Stephen’s Basilica

St. Stephen’s Basilica, the largest church of Budapest is located in the heart of the city

It is dedicated to Hungary’s first king, St. Stephen.

About 8 500 people can get in the beautiful Neoclassical cathedral at the same time.

Apart from its vastness, the Basilica offers some unique attractions and programs:

• It houses Hungary’s most sacred treasure, St. Stephen’s mummified right hand, the Szent Jobb (Holy Right Hand),
• The Panorama Terrace up in the cupola and offers a birds’ eye view of the wholecity
• Several musical programs are organised in the church throughout the year.

The spacious St. Stephen Square offers plenty of terraced cafes and bistros to people watch by a cup of coffee.

• Full price: 2 300 HUF,
• Students/retirees: 1 700 HUF,
• Family (2 kids + 2 adults): 5 500 HUF
• Children under the age of 6: free

Panorama Terrace & Treasury Tickets:

The lookout terrace up in the cupola offers a fanatastic 360° view of the city.

The small treasury is on the second level of the church – before you reach the terrace.

You can get to both locations either by taking the stairs or the elevator.

• Full price: 4 300 HUF,
• Students/retirees: 3 400 HUF,
• Family (2 kids + 2 adults): 13 600 HUF
• Children under the age of 6: free

The Guided Tour Includes:

• The church, chapel and the floodlit Holy Right of St. Stephen
• Treasury
• Panorama view from the cupola (only between 1st April-31st October)

It took more than 5 decades and 3 architects to build Budapest’s Basilica. Several misfortunate events delayed the works.

József Hild made the designs in 1845 but because of the 1848/49 Revolution and War of Independence works started only in 1851.

After the death of Hild, Miklós Ybl, designer of the Opera House took over overseeing the construction.

In 1868 the dome collapsed, luckily nobody died. Ybl drew up new plans and building started again almost from scratch. He couldn’t see his work completed, since he died in 1891.

József Krauser finished St Stephen’s Basilica in 1906. According to the rumor, at the consecration mass Emperor Francis Joseph kept looking upwards afraid of another collapse of the dome.

The building suffered heavy damages during the bombings in World War II. Reconstructions have only started in the 1980-ies and were finished just recently.

József Hild designed a large neoclassical church similar to the basilica in Esztergom.

The ground plan forms a Greek cross.

Because of the vicinity of the Danube huge foundations had to be constructed that resulted in an underground cellar almost as large as the subsurface building.

Many art treasures and precious documents survived down there the second world war.

After Hild’s death, Ybl reworked the plans creating a neo-Renaissance style church.

You can recognise Ybl’s work at the main facade and the wall along Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út.

Ionic columns and statues of the twelve apostles adorn the outside walls.

You can really experience the vastness of the church from the inside. Walk around and view the works of famous contemporary artists who decorated the interior of the chancel.

They dedicated most of their works to St. Stephen (975-1038), Hungary’s first king. He converted the nomad Hungarian

tribes into Christianity, thus managed to found a strong state between Western and Eastern European empires of the era.

Although it’s a bit dark inside, you can still admire the marvellous frescoes, statues and mosaics.

• Main Altar: statue of St. Stephen carved out from Carrara marble by Alajos Stróbl, Gabriel archangel holds the Holy Crown above the head of the king.
• The 96 m high Dome stands out from the mass of office buildings and apartments in Pest. Four pillars hold the massive structure. A fresco of God the Father dominates the center of the cupola.
• The Patrona Hungariae Altar by Gyula Benczúr depicts St Stephen offering the Hungarian Crown to the Virgin Mary and asking her to be a patron of Hungary.
• The Holy Right of St. Stephen: You can see the most precious treasure of Hungary, the mummified right fist of King Stephen in a small chapel to the left of the Main Altar. The relic is kept in an ornate glass cabinet. Insert a 100 Ft coin and the cabinet lights up.

On 20th August, St Stepehen’s Day, the Holy Right is carried around the Basilica in a procession.

You can find numerous attractions in the neighbourhood since district V. is the inner city of Budapest, the centre of business and administration.

The spacious Szt. István Square, where the basilica stands, is great for a walk.

Two fountains stand on the square dedicated to St. Stephen and to his wife Gizella.

The square is flanked by benches and terraced cafes. You can have a nice meal or coffee in one of the numerous fine cafes and restaurants.

In summer, taste the delicious Italian-style ice cream at Gelarto Rosa just a few steps from the Basilica:

A rose is formed artfully from the ice cream making the cool summer dessert pleasing to both the eye and the taste buds.

Besides gelato, they have macarons, bonbons, chocolate, cakes, waffles, coffee and hot chocolate.

You can enjoy the desserts in the small terrace facing the Basilica.

Andrássy Avenue is just a short walk with the Opera House and other examples of great architecture.

Vörösmarty Square with the Gerbeaud Cafe is within walking distance too. See other tips on what to see and do in downtown Budapest.

Planned Date: November 29- 2024 – January 01 2025

• the tall Christmas tree,
• the giant Advent wreath and
• an ice skating rink (free for children under 14)

lend an enchanting atmosphere to the city’s 2nd biggest holiday season event, the biggest being the Christmas Fair & Winter Festival at Vörösmarty Sqr

Light mapping show, concerts, lots of local food and drinks make this a must-see program in the festive season.

Find out more about the Advent Fair & Festival by the Basilica!