St. Stephen’s Basilica (Szent István Bazilika) is the largest Roman Catholic cathedral in Budapest. The construction began in 1851 and took more than fifty years, until 1905. It was built in classical style with a little taste of neo-renaissance and neo-baroque as three different Hungarian architects built it.
The once-sleepy square in front of the Basilica was elegantly renovated a couple of years ago. The neighboring streets were converted into a pedestrian-only zone. Nowadays it is packed with cafés, bars and restaurants and benches to sit on. It’s a leisure heaven for both foreigners and citizens.
At winter-time one of my favorite Christmas markets of Budapest sits in front of the spectacular building of St. Stephen’s Basilica. The city’s best food trucks and street food vendors offer Hungarian culinary delights like lángos, chimney cake, roasted sausages, roasted chestnut or the famous goulash soup. And there is a small ice rink in that square which is part of the Christmas market.
Interesting fact about St. Stephen’s Basilica
St. Stephen’s Basilica with its 96 meters is the largest church in Budapest and the 2nd highest church in Hungary after the Basilica in Esztergom. Just like the Hungarian Parliament Building, which noted as the largest and the tallest building in Budapest, this happened to be the same height. Back in the days this equality symbolized the same importance of the laical and spiritual power within the city.
The Basilica is dedicated to our first king, Stephen, who became a saint because converted the nomadic Hungarians to Christianity. His mummified body is buried in the undercroft and his supposed right hand, the embalmed and mummified “Holy Right Hand” is kept at the Chapel behind the High Altar.
When you enter the Basilica, behind its main alter stands a white marble statue of St. Stephen. The Pope had to give permission to its exhibition because this statue is different from the traditional, catholic portraying.
There is another statue of him on the facade above the main entrance. There is a tympanum with a group of Hungarian saints, bowing before the Madonna and the baby Jesus. The crowned figure on their left is St. Stephen.
The facade of St. Stephen’s Basilica is framed by two large bell towers. The two towers feature six bells all together: five are located in the north side tower, while the largest bell of Hungary hangs in the southern tower. This bell is used twice a year: on August 20 and on December 31.
St. Stephen’s Basilica Panorama Lookout
The Panorama Lookout of St. Stephen’s Basilica is the highest lookout point in Pest, providing a 360 degree view of the whole city. You can access it either by using the elevator (one goes up to the dome, the other takes you to the treasury) or by climbing 364 stairs.
Up there you can walk around the dome and enjoy the amazing view to every direction. The Hungarian Parliament Building, Chain Bridge, Buda Castle, Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion and Citadel are also visible from there.
The Panorama Lookout is open from spring to autumn, and guided tours (including the visit to the Chapel) are available. Please check entrance fees and visiting rules on the website of St. Stephen’s Basilica.
Where to stay near St. Stephen’s Basilica
Hotel President
Hotel President Budapest is located in the heart of historical and enchanting Budapest, surrounded by the main business, commercial and governmental districts. The hotel is only a few hundred meters away from St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Hungarian Parliament. The panoramic terrace of Hotel President is a tourist hotspot of Budapest. You can enjoy close-up views of the Art Nouveau tiles on the nearby Hungarian State Treasury, and the 96-meter-high Parliament dome. In summer the terrace turns into one of the most exclusive eateries in the city. In winter the rooftop functions as an ice skating rink.
The H2 Hotel Budapest
The H2 Hotel Budapest this stylish and budget-friendly hotel opened its doors in April 2021. The hotel is non-smoking and pet-friendly. It is located in the heart of Budapest where all the capital’s historic sites (Chain Bridge, Parliament, St. Stephen’s Basilica, etc.) are at your fingertips. If you brought your car, take advantage of paid parking in the on-site garage.
Aria Hotel Budapest
The creators of Aria Hotel Budapest were inspired by luxury, the love of music and the capital’s exceptional architecture. The hotel features a restaurant, a wine bar, a spa-floor, and a rooftop bar called High Note Sky Bar, where you can enjoy your drinks while sitting right next to the dome of St. Stephen’s Basilica. The hotel was voted the best hotel in the world by TripAdvisor in 2017.
BpR Elite Apartments – Sky Terrace
BpR Elite Apartments – Sky Terrace is located in the heart of the city, only 5-minute walk from St. Stephen’s Basilica. It offers a garden, barbecue facilities and air-conditioned accommodations with a patio and free WiFi.
Cortile Budapest Hotel
Cortile Budapest Hotel puts you right into the heart of the city. This very recent boutique hotel is the perfect choice for a tranquil urban escape. Budapest has many rooftop bars and plenty of hotels with pools but, somehow, these two winning concepts had never been combined for public pleasure. In Cortile Budapest Hotel you can head up to the Sky Bar and enjoy your panoramic cocktail with a splash.
Have a nice stay in Budapest!
Make sure to follow MyLittleHungary on Instagram or like us on Facebook to get exclusive contents and other exciting announcements.