St. Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest

Budapest's St. Stephen's Basilica is a Roman Catholic Basilica. It is named for Stephen, Hungary's first king, whose right hand is placed in the reliquary. Prior to 1920, it was Hungary's sixth biggest church edifice. It has been the co-cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Esztergom-Budapest since the renaming of the primatial see. It is currently the third largest church edifice in Hungary.

The Basilica is absolutely free to visit, making it one of the greatest things to do in Budapest on a budget. There is also a cupola at the top of the Church from which you can see the entire city for a nominal charge. In the 18th century, the location of the Basilica was a theater until residents petitioned to erect a church in honor of St. Stephen, Hungary's first monarch. It currently holds his mummified right hand, the Szent Jobb (Holy Right Hand).

The church's exterior includes neoclassical architecture, while the inside contains 50 different varieties of marbles sculpted by various sculptors. The interior decorating is stunning, with its assortment of marble columns and elaborate floor decorations. Natural light floods the domes of the Church, which have windows engraved with art and ceilings covered with golden leaves.

Location: Budapest-Lipótváros, Hungary