How To Visit Budapest's Stunning St. Stephen's Basilica
Uncover the grandeur and rich history of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Budapest with our expert guide. From its awe-inspiring architecture to its cultural significance, our guide offers practical information, insider tips, and fascinating insights.
Paris has Notre Dame, Florence has the Duomo, London has St. Paul's Cathedral, and Budapest has St. Stephen's Basilica, a neo-classical masterpiece that is a must when visiting Budapest, regardless of your religious persuasion.
When you enter the basilica, you'll immediately feel the power of the structure. The cavernous and dark atmosphere is awe-inspiring, and when the sun shines through the stained glass windows, it illuminates the interior in a spectacular fashion.
As the largest church in Budapest, the 19th-century St. Stephen's Basilica (Szent István Bazilika) is a revered site for Hungarian Catholics as it contains the mummified right hand of King St. Stephen, the founder of modern-day Hungary.
While the mummified hand is cool, the extravagant interior, featuring detailed frescoes and gilded accents, is an added benefit, as are the stunning panoramic views from the rooftop viewing platform, especially at sunset.
This detailed St. Stephen’s Basilica guide aims to help you make the most of your experience, including historical details, what to see and experience and essential tips to know before visiting.
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ST. STEPHEN’S BASILICA
SNAPSHOT
WHERE | District V, Budapest
ENTRY FEE | 2,000 HUF per person, 3,200 HUF for the panorama
WHAT TO SEE | Basilica interior, panoramic rooftop, St. Stephen’s mummified hand
BOOK | Skip the line with this Stephen’s Basilica guided tour
HISTORY OF ST. STEPHEN’S BASILICA, BUDAPEST
St. Stephen's Basilica is one of Hungary's most iconic landmarks and was named in honour of Stephen I, who played a crucial role in establishing Christianity in the country.
Its construction began in 1851 and faced numerous challenges, including financial difficulties, the 1867 Hungarian Revolution, and the destruction caused by World War II bombings.
Despite these obstacles, the basilica's construction persevered, and after more than 50 years, it was finally completed. The final design, created by two of Hungary's most renowned architects, József Hild and Miklós Ybl, was heavily influenced by Italian Renaissance and neo-classical styles, which are evident in the basilica's impressive facade and grandiose interior.
Today, St. Stephen's Basilica not only serves as a religious monument but also as a significant cultural symbol in Hungarian history. Its reconstruction after World War II was a testament to the resilience and recovery of Hungary in the face of adversity.
EXPLORING ST. STEPHEN’S BASILICA INTERIOR
As you walk into St. Stephen’s Basilica, you’ll feel an intangible sense of awe and power. The interior feels somewhat cavernous and dark, yet awe-inspiring at the same time. The intricate frescoes and gilded accents are remarkable, and when the sun shines through the stained glass windows, the interior details light up in spectacular fashion.
The centrepiece of the basilica is its stunning dome, which rises 96 meters above ground level and provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
We highly suggest climbing the dome (more on that below), for the best views of Budapest, including the Hungarian Parliament.
Another highlight of the basilica's interior is the main altar, which features a magnificent painting of St. Stephen by Hungarian artist Gyula Benczúr. The altar is surrounded by stunning marble columns and intricate mosaics, which depict scenes from the life of St. Stephen, Hungary’s founding father, and other important religious figures.
In our opinion, one of the most fascinating features of St. Stephen's Basilica is the Holy Right Hand Chapel, which houses the mummified right hand of St. Stephen himself. The hand, which is believed to have healing powers, is displayed in a glass case surrounded by gold and silver decorations - to view it you must make a ‘donation’ for a light to illuminate the hand, which is kinda tacky in our opinion...
The basilica is home to the super impressive pipe organ, which features over 6,500 pipes and is one of the largest in Europe. If you’re around for one of the Basilica’s concerts or religious services, the powerful sound can be overwhelming (you can book to visit a concert at St. Stephen’s here, which we highly recommend!)
In addition, the Basilica features exquisite details and intricate artwork, including stunning marble floors and intricate carvings on the pews.
SUNSET FROM ST. STEPHEN’S BASILICA PANORAMA
The best reason, however, to visit St. Stephen’s is for the panoramic dome (there are around 300 stairs or a lift directly to the viewpoint), which provides almost 360-degree views of downtown Budapest.
Particularly beautiful at sunset, the viewpoint offers sweeping views across notable Budapest attractions such as Castle Hill, Parliament, Basilica Square and downtown. Curiously, the dome of St. Stephen’s is equal in height to the Hungarian Parliament building at 96m, symbolising the importance of spiritual and worldly thinking, so you’ll feel on top of Budapest.
This is one best things to do in Budapest, so we recommend buying tickets in advance, especially in summer. Alternatively, take this wonderful St Stephen’s guided tour, which includes the rooftop viewing platform!
BASILICA CHRISTMAS MARKETS
If you're in Budapest during the festive season, I highly recommend making a beeline to St. Stephen’s Basilica to enjoy the famed Christmas markets.
The Basilica Christmas markets are held in the square outside of St. Stephen's Basilica, which is transformed into a winter wonderland complete with stalls selling traditional Hungarian foods, handmade crafts, and unique gifts.
The markets typically begin in late November and run until the end of December, during which You can revel in the festive atmosphere while sipping on mulled wine or hot cocoa and listening to live music performances.
One of the main attractions of the markets is the towering Christmas tree in the centre of the square, which is beautifully decorated with lights and ornaments. You can also take a ride on the Christmas tram, which runs along the Danube and offers stunning views of the city's holiday lights.
In addition to the shopping and dining options, the markets also offer a range of family-friendly activities, such as ice skating and visiting Santa's Grotto.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING ST. STEPHEN’S BASILICA
WHERE IS ST. STEPHEN’S BASILICA, AND HOW TO GET TO THERE
St. Stephen's Basilica is located on Szent István tér in the city centre, close to Andrassy Ave, Hungarian Parliament, and a short walk from the Jewish District (see map here).
The easiest way to get there is to take the metro to Deák Ferenc tér and then walk 200m to the Basilica. Alternatively, take trams 47 or 49 to the stop at Deák Ferenc tér.
ST. STEPHEN’S BASILICA OPENING HOURS & ENTRANCE FEE
St. Stephen's Basilica is one daily, Monday to Friday 9 am - 5 pm, Saturday 9 am - 1 pm and Sunday 1 pm - 5 pm
Admission to the basilica is HUF 2,000 (this is a new fee as of January 2023 - it used to be a HUF 200 donation) and is payable at the entrance.
To visit the panorama, the ticket fee is HUF 3,200.
If you're planning to visit St. Stephen's Basilica in Budapest, there are several options for purchasing tickets to enter the Basilica and access its various attractions.
One option is to buy tickets directly at the entrance to the basilica, which is located on Szent István tér in the city centre. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket booth located outside of the basilica and cost around 2,000 HUF per person.
Alternatively, you can visit the church as part of an immersive guided tour, which we’d suggest if you’re keen to learn more about the history and importance of St. Stephen to Hungarian Culture, see the Holy Right Hand Chapel, as well as access to the basilica's organ loft and other behind-the-scenes areas
ST. STEPHEN’S BASILICA BUDAPEST FAQ’S
WHAT ARE THE OPENING HOURS OF ST. STEPHEN'S BASILICA?
The basilica is open every day from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. The last entry to the basilica is at 6:30 pm.
IS THERE AN ENTRANCE FEE FOR ST. STEPHEN'S BASILICA?
As of January 2023, there is. The entrance fee is 2000 HUF (Hungarian Forint) per person. However, children aged 12 and under can enter free of charge
IS IT NECESSARY TO PURCHASE TICKETS IN ADVANCE?
Purchasing tickets in advance is not a requirement since they can be bought at the entrance of the basilica. Nevertheless, buying tickets online beforehand can definitely save you time and help you avoid waiting in line
ARE GUIDED TOURS AVAILABLE AT ST. STEPHEN'S BASILICA?
Guided tours of the basilica are available, giving you access to exclusive areas like the Holy Right Hand Chapel and the organ loft that are not open to the general public. Book here
IS THERE A DRESS CODE FOR VISITING ST. STEPHEN'S BASILICA?
You’re not required to follow a strict dress code, but it is important to dress modestly and respectfully. To avoid any potential offence, it is recommended to refrain from wearing shorts, skirts above the knee, or sleeveless tops
IS PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWED INSIDE ST. STEPHEN'S BASILICA?
Photography is allowed inside the basilica, but the use of flash and tripods is prohibited. You’re also not allowed to touch any of the artwork or artefacts
IS ST. STEPHEN'S BASILICA ACCESSIBLE FOR VISITORS WITH DISABILITIES?
Absolutely, the basilica is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities. There’s a convenient ramp leading up to the entrance, and once inside, elevators are readily available. For those who have difficulty climbing stairs, the basilica also provides special chairs to ensure your visit is as comfortable as possible.
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