description St. Stephen's Basilica, Budapest Overview
St. Stephen's Basilica is a Roman Catholic basilica in Budapest, Hungary, named after Stephen I, the first King of Hungary (c. 975–1038). Construction began in 1851 and was completed in 1905, with the building designed by architects József Hild, Miklós Ybl, and József Kauser in a Neoclassical style.
The basilica is the largest church in Budapest, with a dome reaching 96 meters high, and can hold up to 8,500 worshippers. The church houses the Holy Right (Szent Jobb), the mummified right hand of King Stephen I, which is Hungary's most sacred relic. The basilica was elevated to the status of a minor basilica in 1931 and is a significant cultural and religious landmark in Budapest.
help St. Stephen's Basilica, Budapest FAQ
Why did it take over 50 years to build St. Stephen's Basilica in Budapest?
Construction began in 1851 but was delayed significantly by events such as the collapse of the original dome in 1868. The project required multiple architects, notably József Hild, Miklós Ybl, and József Kauser, to complete the massive structure. It was finally officially completed in 1905.
Whose hand is kept in the reliquary inside St. Stephen's Basilica?
The basilica houses the Holy Right Hand (Szent Jobb), which is the mummified right hand of Stephen I, the first King of Hungary. It is displayed in an ornate reliquary in the chapel to the left of the main altar. Stephen I ruled from around 1000 to 1038 and was later canonized.
Who are the primary architects responsible for designing St. Stephen's Basilica?
The basilica was designed in stages by three prominent architects: József Hild, Miklós Ybl, and József Kauser. Hild started the project in a Neoclassical style, but Ybl later took over and introduced significant Neo-Renaissance elements. Kauser finalized the interior and surrounding details after Ybl's death.
What architectural style is St. Stephen's Basilica built in?
The building is a blend of Neoclassical and Neo-Renaissance architectural styles due to the changing hands of its architects over 54 years. It features a massive Greek cross floor plan and a prominent dome visible across the Budapest skyline. Miklós Ybl was heavily responsible for the Neo-Renaissance shifts in the design.
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