Bazilika (St. Stephen's Basilica), Budapest
The imposing west front of St. Stephen's Basilica. Photo by Ben Godfrey.
St. Stephen's Basilica. Photo by Giamesh.
St. Stephen's Basilica at dusk. Photo by Francesco Negri.
Cupola. Photo by Cate Fuller.
View of Budapest from the basilica. Photo by aeminphilly.
Although not technically a basilica (the pope hasn't given it that honor), Hungarians call St. Stephen's Church in Budapest "the Basilica" in honor of its sheer size. It is the largest church in Hungary.
History
It took over 50 years to build the Bazilika, which was completed in 1905. Three leading architects, two of whom died before work was finished, presided over its construction. The delay was due in large part to the collapse of the dome in 1868, requiring complete rebuilding from the ground up.
After its completion, St. Stephen's was considered so sturdy that important documents and artworks were stored in it during the World War II bombings.
In 2003, a full-scale renovation of the church and neighboring square was finally completed.
What to See
The cleaned-up front of the church graces the colorful and grand Szent István tér (St. Stephen's Square), where travelers sip their coffee in open-air cafes.
The bust above the main entrance is of King Stephen, Hungary's first Christian king. Inside the church, in the Chapel of the Holy Right (Szent Jobb Kápolna), you can see Hungarian Catholicism's most cherished holy relic: Stephen's right hand.
Organ concerts are held here at 7pm on Monday evenings from July through October; tickets cost 800 Ft ($3.60).
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of St. Stephen's Basilica. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Budapest Map or get our free Google Earth download.
Quick Facts
| Address: | V. Szent István tér 33, Pest, Budapest, Hungary |
| Phone: | 1/317-2859 |
| Metro: | Arany János utca (Blue line) or Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út (Yellow line) |
| Hours: | Church daily 7am-7pm, 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. Szent Jobb Chapel closed Nov-Mar |
| Services: | Daily Mass: 8am, and 5:30 and 6pm; Sunday Mass: 8, 9, and 10am, noon, and 6 and 7:30pm. |
| Cost: | Church free; treasury 200 Ft (90¢); tower 400 Ft ($1.80) |
