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Visiting St Stephen's Basilica
Guided Tours in English:
The guided tour includes:
Tickets:
Organ Concerts Enjoy the excellent acoustics of St Stephen's Basilica. Organ concerts every Monday at 19.00 between July-October. |
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Hungary's second largest church can take in 8500 people. It occupies 4147 square metres.
The largest bell of the country tolls in the right tower. It weighs 9 tons.
József Hild designed a large Neoclassical basilica 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.
Afterh 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-Zsiinszky út.
Ionic coloumns and statues of the twelve apostoles adorne the outside walls.
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You can really experience the vastness of St Stephen's basilica 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.
Altough it's a bit dark inside you can still admire the marveollus 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 frescoe 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 chaple 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 the Holy Right is carried around the Basilica in a procession.
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Beautiful stained glass window inside St Stephen's Basilica
Between 1st April-31st October you can admire one of Budapest's best panoramic views from the right tower. An elevator takes you up until halfway, from there you have to climb up on stairs.
You'll climb out into the inside of the dome in a wrought iron construction and you'll get to the space between the outside and inside of the dome. Quite an exciting adventure, but the view will compensate you for the trouble.
You can find numerous attractions in the neighbourhood. 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. Yu can have a nice meal or coffee in one of the numerous fine cafes and restaurants.
Taste and buy the best Hungarian Wines! Take a walk in the cellar and admire 80 varieties of wines in over 30, 000 bottles including antique vintages.
Address: Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út 18., V. district
Tel: +36 1 301 0699
See more places for Wine tasting in Budapest.
Andrássy Avenue is just a short walk with the Opera House and other examples of great architecture.
Vörösmarty Square is within walking distance too.
You'll find some great places to have a good meal and drink near the Basilica.
Negro Café
Hungarian cuisine combined with internatioanl dishes. Sip one of their excellent cocktails on the terrace in the shade of the Basilica
Address: Szt. István tér 11. V. district, right next to the Basilica
Tel: +36 1 302 0136
Café Kör
One of Budapest's best restaurants with a cozy café-like atmosphere.. The chef prepares traditional Hungarian dishes using modern cooking techniques to create a bit lighter variation of the notably heavy national cuisine.
Address: Sas utca 17., V. district
Tel: +36 1 311 0053
Mokka Café and Restaurant
Address: Sas utca 6. v. district
An elegant restaurant with African decor. Exotic dishes from all around the world.
See also our page about Best Restaurants in Budapest or our recommendation of Hungarian Resturants in Budapest.
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