Szent István Bazilika

About the museum

Fundraising for the Pest Basilica of St Stephen began in the 1810s, and construction started on 14 August 1851 to plans by Hild József. In 1868 the already walled-up dome drum collapsed, so Ybl Miklós drew up new plans; construction continued in the Neo-Renaissance style and, after Ybl's death in 1891, was completed under the direction of Kauser József by 1905.

The church is one of Hungary's most important ecclesiastical and tourist sights and is named after the state founder, Szent István (St Stephen). The basilica's greatest relic is the Holy Right, the mummified right hand of Szent István.

Visitors can see the church interior, the treasury and the panoramic terrace around the dome; the treasury and the panoramic terrace share a joint ticket. The panoramic terrace can also be reached by lift, and offers a full panoramic view over Budapest.

Highlights

• Holy Right – relic of Szent István
• Panoramic terrace around the dome
• Treasury, included in the joint ticket with the panoramic terrace
• Neo-Renaissance church interior with mosaics and sculptures
• Building designed by Hild József and Ybl Miklós

Permanent exhibition

• Kincstár – The treasury is included in the joint ticket with the panoramic terrace. To protect the Holy Right and the objects in the treasury, flash photography is prohibited.

Operated by

Szent István Bazilika Plébánia

Admission & discounts

A ticket is also required to enter the church interior. The treasury and the panoramic terrace share a joint ticket with a barcode.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The panoramic terrace can also be reached by lift.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The basilica stands on Szent István tér in Lipótváros.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The religious goods shop in the entrance hall is open 9:00–17:00.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit