Did you know that Szent Istv\u00e1n kir\u00e1ly templom is not just a church. It is a co-cathedral. It shares this honor with the Esztergom Basilica. Both serve the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Esztergom-Budapest.
Welcome to Szent Istv\u00e1n kir\u00e1ly templom. This basilica stands as a testament to Hungarian history and faith. It is named after Saint Stephen I. He was Hungary’s first king. His mummified right hand is kept here as a relic.
The story of Szent Istv\u00e1n kir\u00e1ly templom begins in the 18th century. A theater stood here. It hosted animal fights. Later, J\u00e1nos Zitterbarth built a temporary church. By the late 1810s, the Lip\u00f3tv\u00e1ros Parish was formed. They planned a proper church. The great flood of 1838 proved to be the final catalyst. Residents sought refuge on this high ground. They donated to build a church in thanks.
Initially, it was to honor Saint Leopold. However, it was renamed for Saint Stephen I. In 1931, Pope Pius XI gave it the title of basilica minor. It hosted the International Eucharistic Congress in 1938. During World War II, the cellar sheltered refugees and national archives.
Construction was far from easy. J\u00f3zsef Hild designed it in neoclassical style. In 1858, the dome collapsed. This required a complete rebuild. After Hild’s death in 1867, Mikl\u00f3s Ybl took over. He changed the design to neo-Renaissance. J\u00f3zsef Kauser finally completed it in 1905. Emperor Franz Joseph I attended the keystone placement.
Szent Istv\u00e1n kir\u00e1ly templom shares the title of Budapest’s tallest building. It measures 96 meters with the Hungarian Parliament Building. This symbolizes the equal importance of worldly and spiritual thought. Regulations once prohibited taller buildings. The basilica is 55 meters wide and 87.4 meters long.
Look up to see the tympanum. M\u00f3r Than designed its 1893 mosaic. It depicts Our Lord on the Throne with Angels. The facade reads: “Ego Sum Via, Veritas et Vita.” This is Latin for “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
Inside Szent Istv\u00e1n kir\u00e1ly templom is breathtaking. The ground plan follows a Greek cross. In the lobby, find K\u00e1roly Senyei’s Saint Stephen relief. Bertalan Sz\u00e9kely created the mosaics. K\u00e1roly Lotz designed the dome above the sanctuary. It shows the Lord God. The tambourine shows Christ with prophets and evangelists. Gyula Bencz\u00far’s mosaics on the sanctuary vault depict Holy Mass allegories. Ede Mayer’s bronze reliefs highlight St. Stephen’s life. J\u00f3zsef Kauser designed the canopy altarpiece. Alajos Str\u00f3bl’s statue of St. Stephen decorates it.
The pulpit is also by Kauser. Miksa R\u00f3th created the glass paintings. The pipe organ came from P\u00e9cs. J\u00f3zsef Angster’s factory built it.
Today, Szent Istv\u00e1n kir\u00e1ly templom is a major attraction. It is Hungary’s most important church building. Ascend to the dome for panoramic views of Budapest. Take the elevator or climb 364 steps.
Consider attending a concert at Szent Istv\u00e1n kir\u00e1ly templom. Organ concerts occur regularly. The basilica has played a vital role in the musical world since 1905. Marvel at the Great St. Stephan bell in the south tower. It weighs over 9 tonnes. Five smaller bells reside in the north tower.
Before we move on, remember the words inscribed on the facade. “Ego Sum Via, Veritas et Vita.” May this basilica inspire you on your journey.