Basilica of Esztergom

Esztergomi bazilika

Seat of Catholicism in Hungary

Description

The largest church in Hungary, and one of the largest churches in Europe, the Basilica of Esztergom inspires awe with its massive dome and towering organ. The center of Catholicism in Hungary, the cathedral has been built, destroyed by invading armies, and rebuilt again many times since the first church was built on the spot in early 11th century by Stephen I, the first King of Hungary. The oldest parts of the existing basilica were constructed of red marble from the nearby village of Süttő, by Italian master architects from 1506 to 1507, and the basilica's walls are adorned with Italian Renaissance touches. You can climb to the upper levels of the dome for impressive views of the surrounding countryside, or descend into the large crypt, modeled on the Egyptian style and built in the 19th century.