St Stephen’s Basilica

St Stephen's Basilica is the largest church in Budapest and, together with the Parliament, the tallest building in the city at 96 metres. It is named after Stephen I, Hungary's first king, and took more than half a century to build. József Hild began it in 1851, the original dome collapsed in 1858, Miklós Ybl took over and gave it a neo-Renaissance character, and József Kauser completed it in 1905.

The interior is rich with marble, gilding, mosaics and paintings, and the scale is impressive under the main dome. The basilica's best-known treasure is the Holy Right, the mummified right hand of St Stephen, which is kept in an ornate reliquary in a side chapel. Every 20 August, the national holiday in honour of the king, it is carried through the surrounding streets in procession. Above the main entrance, look for the mosaic and the inscription that reads Ego sum via, veritas et vita.

For many visitors the highlight is the panorama terrace that circles the dome. You can climb the stairs, 364 steps if you go all the way on foot, or use the lift for most of the way, and the walkway gives a clear 360-degree view over Pest, the river and Castle Hill. The basilica also hosts organ and classical concerts, which are a good way to hear the acoustics.

Entry arrangements for the church, the dome and the treasury are separate, and times change around services, weddings and religious holidays, so check the official website before you go. As this is a working church, cover your shoulders and knees, keep voices low and avoid visiting during mass unless you are attending. Allow about an hour to see the church and the dome together.

The basilica faces Szent István tér, a broad pedestrian square lined with cafés and restaurants that hosts a Christmas market in Advent. Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út on metro line M1 is the closest stop, and Deák Ferenc tér, served by M1, M2 and M3, is about five minutes' walk away. The Parliament, the Danube embankment and Andrássy út are all within easy walking distance, so it fits neatly into a day exploring central Pest.