This is the largest and, perhaps, the most beautiful church in Budapest. It took more than half a century to build, and was completed only in 1905. During that time several architects changed, but Miklos Ybl had the hardest task: he took on the project in 1868, when the dome of the church collapsed. The design had to be redone and the dome rebuilt.
As a result of long and painstaking work, a magnificent basilica appeared in the capital of Hungary, with a height of 96 m. There is no taller structure in Budapest; there is only one of equal height – the Parliament building. They say the number 96 appears here for a reason: it recalls the year 896, when the first Hungarian tribes appeared on this land.
Since the church is one of the two tallest buildings in Budapest, it was quite reasonable to place an observation deck there. You can use the elevator to go up.
In the evenings, organ music concerts are often held here. Unlike other Catholic churches, they even sing here accompanied by the organ. The impression is so strong that it gives you goosebumps!
The main attraction of Saint Istvan Basilica is the relic of King Istvan's right hand, after whom the church was consecrated. It is kept in a gilded shrine, and many visitors to the basilica seek to venerate it. Once a year, on August 20, when Saint Istvan Day is celebrated, the relic is taken out of the church and solemnly carried through the city streets.
