St Stephen's Basilica

Planning Your Visit to the Basilica

St Stephen's Basilica stands in Lipótváros, part of District V, a short walk from Deák Ferenc tér, one of the city's main transport hubs where several metro lines meet. From there it takes only a few minutes on foot to reach the broad square in front of the main entrance, which makes the basilica easy to combine with a stroll along Andrássy út or down towards the Danube and the Parliament building.

The church is dedicated to Stephen I, the first king of Hungary, and its most famous relic, the Holy Right (the mummified right hand attributed to the king), is kept in a side chapel. Together with the Hungarian Parliament Building, the basilica is one of the two tallest buildings in Budapest, and local planning tradition has long kept new construction in the centre from rising above them. Construction took several decades in the nineteenth century and passed through the hands of more than one architect. This helps explain the mix of grandeur and careful detail you notice once inside.

Practical tips

• Dress respectfully. It is an active place of worship, so covered shoulders and knees are sensible, and visitors should keep noise down during services.
• Check times in advance. Opening hours, access to the dome viewing terrace and entry fees can change, and services or special events may limit sightseeing. The basilica's official information is the best source.
• Consider the climb. The panoramic terrace around the dome can be reached by stairs or lift. Even so, part of the route may involve steps, which is worth knowing if mobility is a concern.
• Book concerts early. Organ and classical concerts held inside are popular with visitors, so tickets for evening performances often sell out at busy times of year.

The square outside is pleasant in its own right, lined with cafés and restaurants, and in winter it often hosts a seasonal market. If you are exploring the area around our shop, browse our other places worth visiting or read the local guides to build a relaxed walking route through central Budapest.