A Guide to St. Stephen’s Basilica: Things to See and Do

Structures of Significance

I am quite fond of castles, grand churches, and other similar buildings.

These structures are often the most resilient to the passage of time, and there is always so much history within them. Not only can we explore, but we can also, for a moment, walk through history and marvel at the artifacts and stories of ages long past.

The best part, of course, is when we imagine how life and adventures could have been in such distant times.

St. Stephen’s Basilica is one of the grandest attractions in Budapest. It ties with the Hungarian Parliament for the title of the most important structure in Hungary.

This Neo-Classical Basilica and the Hungarian Parliament are the two tallest structures in Budapest. Both structures stand at exactly 96 meters (315 feet). As mentioned in the Interesting Facts section of the Budapest Adventure Guide, Budapest may never have skyscrapers because no building can be over 96 meters (315 feet) tall.

St. Stephen's Basilica: Important Information
Dimensions	St. Stephen's Basilica's dimensions are Length: 287 feet (87.5 meters), Width: 180 feet (55 meters), Height: 315 feet (96 meters).
Duration	The recommended duration of visit is 1 to 2 hours.
Best Time	The best time to visit is around noon. The lighting from the sun will be quite lovely around noon to afternoon. There tends to be fewer visitors earlier in the day as well.
Cost	To enter the main hall, a small donation is recommended. To access the observation deck, a payment of 1000 HUF (cash only) is required.
Parking	There is no parking. You should arrive via public transportation or on foot.
Special Considerations: The basilica is within short walking distance of major attractions such as the Széchenyi Chain Bridge and Liberty Square.

St. Stephen’s Basilica’s Story

This Roman Catholic Basilica was named in honor of Saint Stephen I, the first king of Hungary.

The site of the basilica was once a theater (Hetz Theater). It was completed in 1905 after 54 years of construction.

As the most important church building in Hungary, it is an incredible and iconic tourist attraction.

An Architectural Masterpiece

The basilica is rich in fine arts, exhibits, and monuments throughout.

Naturally, one of the most incredible masterpieces is the apse and high altar.

The interior is simply striking, and there’s much to explore.

Artifacts

There are also various artifacts scattered throughout.

Incredibly, the king’s mummified “incorruptible” right hand is held in the reliquary (inaccessible during the time of my visit).

St. Stephen’s Basilica’s Observation Deck

Since St. Stephen’s Basilica is confirmed to be the tallest structure in Budapest, the observation deck provides the best centralized panoramic view of Budapest’s skyline.

Access to the observation deck is via a separate door near the main entrance. When I visited (2019), the fee was 1000 HUF (cash only).

In the distance, you can see the Liberty Statue on the Buda side (it looks quite tiny). And although the centralized panoramic view is stunning, I suggest venturing to the Liberty Statue for a more complete view of the city.

The observation deck is circular, so you can walk until you find an angle to your liking.

Why so serious?

As one of the most interesting and easily among the most important landmarks in the city, St. Stephen’s Basilica is a historic, fun, and riveting attraction. Of course, the photos provided here are but a small sample of all the wonderful things within. I highly recommend that you visit this place and enjoy it for yourself.