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St. Stephen's Basilica

In Honor of the First King of Hungary

The St. Stephen's Basilica is the largest church in Budapest, Hungary. Named after St. Stephen I, the first King of Hungary, it was built at the beginning of the 20th century and has 96-meter-tall twin towers with the King's right hand displayed inside.

The St. Stephen’s Basilica, also known as Szent István-bazilika, was built in the early 20th century. This magnificent Catholic basilica is located in the Pest district on the left bank of the Danube River in Budapest, Hungary and is dedicated to St. Stephen I, the first King of Hungary.

Built with a Dome and 96m High Twin Towers, St. Stephen’s Basilica is the highest point in Budapest. Visitors can climb to the top of the clock tower and take a panoramic view of the city on both sides of the Danube. A 9.25-ton bell hangs in the south bell tower.

Manywhere Trivia:
“István” is the Hungarian spelling of Stephen the first Catholic saint in Hungary, and has been the most used name in Hungary since King István I.

Below the soaring dome is a Dome Hall for 8,500 people. Inside the niches of the hall’s four columns are carvings of patron saints of Hungary, a mosaic of the four evangelists inlaid above the columns, and a Huge Dome Fresco.

The main altar of the church has a life-size Statue of King Stephen I, flanked by reliefs and frescoes depicting his life’s accomplishments.

Right Hand of the King Stephen I

The mummified right hand of King Stephen I is the most famous relic of the church and is known as the Incorruptible Holy Right Hand of the King. In the side nave of St. Stephen’s Basilica, there is also a Painting Masterpiece - The King is Blessed by the Virgin in which King Stephen I kneels before the Virgin and presents the Hungarian crown and sword, which are symbols of the state.