St. Stephen's Basilica
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What people say
Pedro Pereira
Available for hire
"The Basilica of St. Stephen, or Szent István Bazilika, is a monumental church in Budapest, dedicated to the first King of Hungary, Saint Stephen. It is the largest church in Budapest and the third largest in Hungary, notable for its grand neo-Renaissance style, its immense dome, and its historical significance. The church was constructed over more than five decades, from 1851 to 1905, initially designed by József Hild in a neo-classical style. After Hild's death, Miklós Ybl took over the project and altered the design, which was later completed by József Kauser.
The church stands at a height of 96 meters, matching the height of the Hungarian Parliament, symbolizing the equal importance of both spiritual and worldly matters. The basilica is a prominent landmark in Budapest's UNESCO World Heritage Site Buffer Zone and remains a central point of religious and cultural life in Hungary. Its design includes a Greek cross ground plan, a mosaic of Christ on the Throne above the main entrance, and rich decorations inside, including mosaics by renowned artists like Mór Than and Gyula Benczúr.
The basilica's largest bell, the Great St. Stephen Bell, is the largest in Hungary, weighing over 9 tons. The church is also home to the mummified right hand of King Stephen, preserved in a reliquary, making it a significant site for pilgrims. The church suffered damage during World War II but has been restored, continuing to serve as both a religious site and a tourist destination.
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Sofia B
Available for hire
"One of the most beautiful and significant churches and tourist attractions of the country. Construction of the church started in 1851 and was dedicated to the holy king St Stephen who was also the founder of the Hungarian state.
You can climb 364 steps to the dome of the church (or take an elevator) for amazing panoramic views of Budapest.
St. Stephen’s Basilica plays a very active role in the Budapest music scene, since its consecration on 1905 - and concerts are often hosted here.
Opening hours of the Basilica:
Mon-sat: 9am to 5.45pm
Sunday: 1pm to 5.45pm
Opening hours of the panoramic terrace:
Every day 9am to 7pm
Price
Basilica: 2300 huf / €6
panoramic terrace: 4300 huf / €11
Both: 6000 huf / €15
With budapest card: 20% off
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Silvia De Caro
Available for hire
"Dedicated to Stephen, first king of Hungary, St. Stephen's Basilica is one of the most important religious buildings in all of Hungary. It is said that his presumed right hand is kept inside the reliquary.
It is one of the tallest buildings in Budapest, like the Parliament. In fact, the two equal heights at the time symbolized the equality between secular power and spiritual power.
👣How to get there: reachable on foot from Parlament (1 km, 13 min). Metro stop: Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út, line M1.
🎟️Basilica ticket price 1200.00 HUF (€2.09) / Dome and Treasury 2200.00 HUF (€5.30) / Combined ticket (Church+Dome+Treasury) 3200 HUF (€7.70)"
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