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Esztergom Basilica
The Esztergom Basilica, officially the Primatial Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary Assumed into Heaven and St. Adalbert, is the largest church in Hungary and the seat of the Catholic Church in the country. Perched on Castle Hill overlooking the Danube, this monumental Neoclassical building was constructed between 1822 and 1869 by renowned architects such as Pál Kühnel and József Hild. The basilica's massive dome reaches a height of 100 meters, with an internal diameter of 33.5 meters, making it one of the tallest religious structures in Central Europe. One of its most precious features is the Bakócz Chapel, a red marble Renaissance masterpiece from the early 16th century that survived the Ottoman occupation. The high altar features the world's largest painting executed on a single piece of canvas, the work of Girolamo Michelangelo Grigoletti. The crypt serves as the final resting place for prominent Hungarian cardinals, including József Mindszenty. The basilica's treasury is also home to one of Europe's most significant collections of ecclesiastical art, showcasing priceless gold and silver artifacts.
- Location: Hungary
- Top sights: Treasury of the Basilica · Primatial Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary Assumed Into Heaven and St Adalbert · St. Adalbert Hall
- Nearby: Dorog (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | 0 | 5 | 11 | 16 | 20 | 22 | 22 | 16 | 10 | 5 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 44 | 42 | 42 | 37 | 69 | 71 | 74 | 65 | 55 | 52 | 48 | 46 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The basilica is the largest church building in Hungary
- The total height including the cross is 100 meters
- It was built over a period of 47 years starting in 1822
- The Bakócz Chapel is a masterpiece of the Renaissance
- The main altarpiece is 13.5 by 6.6 meters in size
- It serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Esztergom
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Esztergom Basilica (10)
Zolnai Halls
Halls in the area of the Esztergom Basilica.
Esztergom Castle🏰 castle
Historic castle on Castle Hill in Esztergom.
Várszínház
Theatre located in the castle of Esztergom.
Esztergom Castle Museum🏛 museum
Museum in Esztergom Castle about the city's history.
Dzsámi múzeum🏛 museum
Museum in a former mosque building in Esztergom.
SOLVA
Archaeological site in Esztergom, remains of a Roman settlement.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is the Esztergom Basilica the largest church in Hungary?
What is the Bakócz Chapel?
Is there a dress code?
Can you go up to the dome?
What can be seen in the treasury?
Esztergom Basilica: where is it located?
Esztergom Basilica: what is there to see?
Esztergom Basilica: when is the best time to visit?
Esztergom Basilica: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
Nature
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