Basilica of St. Stephen

The Basilica of St. Stephen in Budapest is one of the most imposing and significant architectural masterpieces of the Hungarian capital. Inaugurated in 1905 after more than half a century of construction, the basilica is dedicated to St. Stephen, the first king of Hungary and founder of the Christian Hungarian state. This impressive building is not only a place of worship, but also a symbol of national identity and Hungarian faith. Construction of the basilica began in 1851 under the guidance of architect József Hild, who designed the building in a neoclassical style. However, Hild died in 1867 and the project passed into the hands of Miklós Ybl, one of the most illustrious Hungarian architects of the time, known for also designing the Budapest Opera House. Ybl made significant changes to the original project, introducing elements of neorenaissance style. The construction faced further delays and complications, including the need to rebuild the main dome, which collapsed in 1868 due to structural defects. After Ybl’s death in 1891, the supervision of the work was entrusted to József Kauser, who completed the basilica in 1905. St. Stephen’s Basilica is the largest church in Budapest and one of the tallest structures in the city, with its dome reaching 96 meters, the same height as the Hungarian Parliament. This number is not random: it symbolizes the year 896, when the Magyars settled in the region that would become Hungary. The identical height of these two buildings represents the balance between religious and civil power in the Hungarian nation. The interior of the basilica is as majestic as the exterior. The main altar is dedicated to St. Stephen and features a statue of the king sculpted by Alajos Stróbl. The interior is decorated with frescoes, mosaics, and sculptures created by leading Hungarian artists of the 19th and 20th centuries, including Gyula Benczúr and Bertalan Székely. A prominent feature inside the basilica is the Chapel of the Holy Right Hand, which houses one of Hungary’s most venerated relics: the mummified right hand of St. Stephen. The exceptional acoustics of the basilica also make it a privileged venue for classical and organ music concerts. The large organ, built by József Angster, is one of the most imposing and refined instruments in the country, attracting internationally renowned musicians and sacred music enthusiasts. In addition to its religious and cultural function, St. Stephen’s Basilica offers visitors the opportunity to climb to the dome, from which they can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Budapest. Access to the dome is via an elevator or a staircase of 364 steps, and the effort of the climb is greatly rewarded by the spectacular view of the city and the Danube. The basilica is also the focal point of numerous religious and national events. Every year, on August 20th, St. Stephen’s Day, the basilica hosts one of the country’s most important processions, during which the relic of the Holy Right Hand is carried through the surrounding streets, accompanied by thousands of faithful. This event is a moment of great devotion and national pride for the Hungarians. An interesting anecdote related to the basilica concerns its official consecration in 1905. The ceremony was presided over by the Archbishop of Esztergom, János Csernoch, and in the presence of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria. This event marked not only the end of a long construction period, but also an important moment of national unity in a time of turbulent political and social changes. Throughout the 20th century, St. Stephen’s Basilica underwent various restoration interventions, especially after the damage suffered during World War II. The latest significant restorations were completed in the 1990s, ensuring that the building remains in perfect condition for future generations.