St. Stephen's Basilica

The dome of St. Stephen's Basilica went up in flames 75 years ago The construction of the largest church in Budapest took a very long time in accordance with its size, it filled the second half of the 19th century and even extended a little into the 20th century. It was finished in 1905, but forty years later a scaffolding was put up again: the damage caused by World War II had to be repaired. However, the renovation caused even more trouble, with an accidental fire burning the entire dome.

Skyscraper plans in Budapest - High-rise buildings were planned for Károly Boulevard, Astoria and Rákóczi Road On Pestbuda, we recently introduced the Mol Tower under construction, which will be the first real high-rise building in Budapest. It will be no real skyscraper, because we call that buildings with a height of up to 150 meters, and the Mol Tower, albeit just by a little, remains below that limit. High-rise buildings have been designed in Budapest for almost 100 years, and several architects would have surpassed the 96-meter-high height of the Parliament and St. Stephen's Basilica.

Once again, Advent Basilica was voted the best Christmas market in Europe The Advent Basilica, held in front of St. Stephen's Basilica, was considered the best Christmas market in Europe again this year after 2019. Voters from 163 countries took part in the vote.

From today, the Bethlehem manger exhibition can be visited in St. Stephen's Basilica The manger exhibition, which consists of works of art, fine arts and folk art related to the Advent celebration, will be open until 7 January in the Knight's Hall of St. Stephen's Basilica in Budapest.

The world is watching Budapest - The Eucharistic Congress has begun Budapest hosts the International Eucharistic Congress for the second time. In addition to the main venues - Heroes' Square, Hungexpo, St. Stephen's Basilica, Kossuth Square, Academy of Music - there will be programmes, concerts and stage performances in several parts of the city.

A remény adventje – Idén csendes ünneplés lesz a Szent István-bazilikánál The Christmas market before Saint Stephen's Basilica was voted the most beautiful Christmas Market in 2019. This year, the event will be unusual and move online. The three festive symbols, a 12-meter tall decorated Christmas tree, a nativity scene and an Advent wreath with a diameter of 5 metres will be placed in Saint Stephen's Square.

The bells of Saint Stephen's Basilica – Hungarian and German masterpieces The historical value of the former and present bells in Saint Stephen's Basilica in Budapest is significant in terms of ecclesiastical, industrial and national history. Today’s large bell was donated by the German people in 1990 and was made by Perner in Passau. The bell was consecrated on 20 August 1990, thirty years ago. It is the largest bell in Hungary today.

A holiday missed – The colourful history of Processions of the Holy Right The Procession of the Holy Right, held on 20 August, is the most important religious event in Hungary, and St. Stephen's Day is the most important holiday for all Hungarians. Sadly, this year they will be no fireworks or processions. In an emergency, it is worth looking back into the past, as many interesting and informative events have taken place during the long and tumultuous history of the Holy Right and its processions. The relic arrived in Buda in 1771 courtesy of Maria Theresa, and the first procession took place in 1818 in Buda Castle. In the 19th century, however, the holiday increasingly moved to the Pest side and was already accompanied by national interest.