Detailed review by Praskipark
Praskipark
Warsaw, Poland95%
One of the busiest squares in Budapest is Deák Ferenc tér and one of the reasons the square is always buzzing with people is because the city's three Metro lines (M1, M2, M3) intersect here but there is another reason; from the square you can see the elegant cupola that belongs to St Stephen's Basilica.This beautiful neo-Romanesque church is about 300 metres to the north of the square and one of the main sights to see in Budapest.
Why the church is called a 'basilica' I am not sure because the architecture doesn't exactly remind me of Roman styles. During its construction in 1868, the magnificent dome, collapsed due to bad structural planning, and it was only in 1906 that this church could be finally consecrated.
Inside, the building is very large and can seat up to 9,000 people. Seventy five percent of Hungary's population is Catholic and they especially make the pilgrimage to St Stephen's to visit the chapel to the right hand side of the church where religious relics have been carefully preserved.
It is a very atmospheric church with grand interiors but the best part of a visit to St Stephen's is to ascend the cupola. That's if you have a head for heights.The height is 65 metres, a steep climb but worth it as the view of the city is splendid and makes you realise just how large the city of Budapest is and how far it stretches. There is a lift but this only takes you some of the way.Once you leave the lift it is a spiral trek up 137 stairs.
Once the visit to the church is over it is pleasant to stroll around the square or sit on the steps leading up to the church. You will see many people taking photos outside the church's main entrance. Souvenir stalls are set up in the square selling memorabilia pertaining to St Stephen's and also a couple of book stalls set out their wares here. It was here I bought a very good Hungarian/English dictionary from.
At either side of the square apartment blocks with cafes line the pavement. These are quite expensive for just a coffee and a cake but worth sitting outside to soak up the atmosphere of visitors tooing and froing around the square. As you leave the square and walk to the rear of the church you reach Bajcsy- Zsilinszky út. If you turn left you will find yourself on the famous Andrássy Avenue which is one of Budapest's most attractive streets and a lot of fun to walk down.
I recommend a visit to St Stephen's if you are in Budapest. Best time to visit is early morning before the crowds gather. Easiest way is to take the Metro.
Szent István Bazilika8
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