The Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and St. Vojtěch, abbreviated as the Basilica of Esztergom, is the headquarters of the Hungarian Catholic Church and the largest church in Hungary.
It is also famous for its location on Castle Hill, from which it looks far down on the Danube River and the opposite Slovakian town of Štúrovo, making it visible from the river and the flat plains from afar.
The largest church and dome in Hungary
Ostrihom was chosen as the seat of the Catholic Church in Hungary in the early 19th century and construction of the monumental basilica began in 1822. It was fully completed and consecrated in 1856.
The main architect Pál Kühnel gave the basilica a neoclassical style.
The size of the Basilica in Ostřihom surpasses even the Basilica of St. Stephen in Budapest. According to its internal area of 5 660m2 it is the 46th largest church in the world.
The dominant feature of the basilica is the huge central dome with a height of over 71 metres, which is the 16th highest in the world. With a total height of 100 metres, the Esztergom Basilica is the tallest building in Hungary ever.
Visit the temple, the crypt and the dome
Don't miss a visit to the beautifully decorated interior with its monumental dome without a single support structure. Also worth seeing are the largest organ in Hungary and the large underground crypt used as the final resting place of Hungarian archbishops.
The painting behind the altar, by Italian painter Girolamo Michelangelo Grigoletti, is the largest painting in the world painted on a single canvas.
You can also visit the dome, and even the outdoor gallery, but count on more than 300 steps.
A very popular viewpoint is the so-called Panorama Hall, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Danube, the bridge and the Slovak plains.
The Basilica also includes the State Treasury, which houses a small museum.
On the outdoor terrace in front of the basilica, in addition to views of the Danube and the Old Town, visit the beautiful St. Stephen's Monument.
Admission and opening hours
From April to the end of September, the museum is open every day from 8:00-19:00. During the winter it closes at 16:00. The last entry is always 30 minutes before closing time, except in the main church nave, where you can get in just before closing time.
Ticketprices are as follows:
- Basilica only (main nave) - free
- Treasury + Panorama Hall view - 1 800 huf
- Crypt - 600 huf
- Visit to the dome with outdoor balcony - 2 400 huf
- All together - 3 900 huf
A 50% discount is offered to all EU citizens aged 6 to 26 and senior citizens eligible for pension. Children under the age of 6 are admitted free of charge.
Official website: basilica-esztergom.hu
Parking and transport
Directly in front of the main entrance to the Basilica on Szent István Tér Square, you will find parking on both sides of the square.
Parking on the north side is free, while on the south side it costs 1000 huf per day.
There is also a bus stop on the square:
- Lines 1, 2, 11, 43 and 43F local public transport to the train station (Vasútállomás) - 2-3 times an hour on weekdays, once an hour on weekends.
- Line 863 to Dobogókő village in the centre of Duna-Ipoly National Park - 2-3 times per day
- Line 805 to the neighbouring town of Dorog - 1x per hour
What to see around
Discover all the places to see in Esztergom.
