St. Stephen’s Basilica

The St. Stephen's Basilica, in Budapest

The St. Stephen's Basilica is one of the largest religious buildings of Budapest, inaugurated in 1905 after more than half a century of works. The Budapest audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this sanctuary with vertiginous dimensions, whose dome culminates at ninety-six metres, and that shelters the relic of the Holy Right Hand, the hand of the first king of Hungary.

The sanctuary of the Holy Right Hand

Contrary to many other great religious buildings of Europe, the St. Stephen's Basilica is relatively recent: its inauguration goes back to 1905. A youth that in no way tarnishes the place it occupies in the heart of Budapest. Born from the will of a rich Hungarian and numerous faithful, this very large church impresses first by its dimensions: fifty-five metres wide, eighty-seven metres long and ninety-six metres high. You understand better why it took more than half a century to complete it. Not only does it occupy much space, but it is to it that the highest point of the city falls, tied with the Parliament, in accordance with a symbolic rule that forbids exceeding ninety-six metres. Beyond the honour that its name renders it, the basilica shelters, in an atmosphere conducive to contemplation, one of the most precious relics of the country: the mummified right hand of Stephen I, the first king of Hungary. Called the Holy Right Hand, it is discovered with respect and gravity, and is carried in procession during the great national festival of the 20th of August. Inside, the sanctuary reveals rich marbles, gilded mosaics, a vast dome and a monumental altar. You can also climb the dome to admire an exceptional panorama over the city. A major basilica and a place of faith, the St. Stephen's Basilica is discovered with respect.

What to see

Here you discover, with respect, one of the largest religious buildings of Budapest, inaugurated in 1905 after more than half a century of works, whose dome of ninety-six metres equals the Parliament as the highest point of the city; inside, marbles, gilded mosaics and the relic of the Holy Right Hand, the hand of King Stephen I. The St. Stephen's Basilica is a major sanctuary of Budapest. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The St. Stephen's Basilica lies in the district of Pest, in the heart of Budapest, reachable on foot or by metro. A place of worship, it can be visited with respect; entry and access to the dome follow the conditions in force, which vary, and may be restricted during services. It is best to enquire before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

What is the Holy Right Hand of the St. Stephen's Basilica of Budapest?

It is the mummified right hand of Stephen I, the first king of Hungary, one of the most precious relics of the country, kept with respect in the basilica and carried in procession during the great national festival of the 20th of August; inaugurated in 1905, the basilica counts among the largest religious buildings of Budapest, its dome of ninety-six metres equalling the Parliament.

Where is the St. Stephen's Basilica in Budapest?

In the district of Pest, in the heart of Budapest, in Hungary.