Churches to Visit in Hungary

Hungary has been a Christian kingdom since its first king, St Stephen, was crowned around the year 1000, and his memory runs through its churches. This chapter begins in Budapest with the two most famous: St Stephen’s Basilica in Pest, which keeps his right hand, and Matthias Church on Castle Hill in Buda, where Hungary’s last kings were crowned.

The front of St Stephen's Basilica in Budapest with its two towers and dome
St Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest — where this guide to Hungary begins. Photograph by Ozan Tabakoğlu on Pexels.

The two are on opposite sides of the Danube, linked by bus 16 across the Chain Bridge.

Where to start

St Stephen’s Basilica

Budapest’s largest church, with the Holy Right relic, organ concerts and a terrace round the dome.

Budapest, Pest

Matthias Church

The coronation church on Castle Hill, with tiled roofs, a painted interior and the Fisherman’s Bastion beside it.

Budapest, Castle Hill

Practical notes

At a glance
AdmissionBudapest’s big churches now charge for sightseeing; without a ticket, entry is for worship only
Dress codeShoulders covered, skirts and trousers to the knee; both Budapest churches here turn away visitors who are not
WeekendsWeddings and services can shorten visiting hours at weekends
Getting aroundMetro and bus 16 link the two churches, on either side of the Danube

Coming next

Esztergom Basilica, the largest church in Hungary, on the Danube bend about an hour north-west of Budapest, is the obvious next addition.