About St. Stephen's Basilica

This neo-classic cathedral is the biggest church in Budapest. Named after the legendary and most beloved Hungarian king St. Stephen, this basilica contains his mummified right hand. It was granted the title of 'basilica minor" by Pope Pious XI in 1931. This historical church took fifty long years to be completed in view of the damage to the dome during WW-II, and the death of the two main architects.

 For those interested in history, there is a small exhibition inside the church that displays the original drawings and pictures of how the church was meant to look. This church's height is confined to 96 meters, similar to that of the parliament. The imposing but serene facade is adorned with beautiful statues of the 12 apostles with twin clock towers, and a huge cupola. The opulent interiors with stunning stained glass windows intricately carved wooden pews, and amazing frescoed ceilings add to the grandeur of the church.  Well renowned for its acoustics, this church is a highly popular venue for live classical concerts by some of Hungary's most revered musicians like Bach & Vivaldi, Mozart, Schubert, List &Bizet, to name a few. A delightful evening can be enjoyed by any music lover at this church.

Must See

  • The holy right hand of St. Stephens
  • St Stephens Square
  • Chapel and the Treasury
  • 360 degrees view of Budapest From the Cupola 
  • Statues of 12 apostles with twin clock towers
  • Bells of the Basilica
  • Intricately carved wooden pews
  • Frescoed ceilings
  • Live classical concerts

 

How to reach

By Bus:

Bus Line 16 will take around 15 minutes and cost you 350 HUF

Budapest is covered by 35-night bus lines and tram 6 operating non-stop.  Buses run every 15–60 minutes from around 11:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.

By Subway:

Take the subway (M3) to Arany János utca

By Tram:

 Tram will take around 39 minutes and will charge around 230 HUF

By Taxi:

Taxi fare 826 Ft.

It is a 22 to 25-minute walk from the city center to the Basilica

Budapest Bike: 

Rent a bike starting at Ft2000 for 6 hours

By Car: 

6 min (1.4 km) via Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út

By Walk: It is a 22 to 25-minute walk from the city center to the Basilica

 If you intend to travel a lot, and you probably will, travel cards are far less expensive than single tickets

Tips

  • For beautiful views of Budapest walk up the stairs (364 steps) and get a bird's eye-view when you climb up the Cupola to enjoy the 360-degree view of Budapest
  • You can also take the elevators up to the dome's observation deck (open April 1st through Oct 31st)
  • There are no fees to enter the church, but there is a nominal fee of HUF 500 to go up to the observation deck
  • The basilica has two bell towers and Hungary’s biggest bell, weighing 9.5 tons, which is found in the south tower
  • Guided tours of the basilica are also available Monday to Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., for a fee of HUF 2,000
  • Follow the dress code of the Roman Catholic Church. Mini dresses are not allowed.
  • Visit St.Stephens Basilica on Christmas Eve for the city's largest midnight mass
  • Check out the basilica's event calendar if you plan to attend concerts
  • Normal capacity is 8500
  • Since the capacity is so huge it is advised to maintain proper discipline inside
  • Photography is allowed but without flashbulb
  • There are quite a few decent cafes in St Stephen Square to cater to your hunger pangs

Visit Time

Sunday :                  1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Monday:                   9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Tuesday:                  9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Wednesday:             9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Thursday:                 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Friday :                     9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Saturday:                  1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Time Icon

Waiting Time

30 minutes

 

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Entrance Fee

Yes Basilica:                                                  Free admission
Panorama tower:                                    600 HUF
Treasury:                                                400 HUF
Guided tour:                                           2000 HUF
Read more

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

2 to 3 hours

 

Weather Icon

Weather

Clear Sky 16.05°C

 

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