Esztergom Basilica marks 170 years since consecration

The Esztergom Basilica, Hungary’s largest church, marks 170 years since its consecration on August 31, 1856. Located on Castle Hill overlooking the Danube, the 100-meter-tall Neoclassical structure serves as the primary seat of the Hungarian Catholic Church.

The site has a long history dating back to the 10th century, with the first church built by Prince Géza. Following various destructions, including a fire in the 12th century and Ottoman occupation in 1543, the current basilica was realized through the work of architect Pál Kühnel, following instructions from Prince Primate Sándor Rudnay. The original grand design aimed to create a ‘Hungarian Vatican’ with extensive palace wings and seminaries, though only the cathedral and parts of the canon houses were completed.

Notable historical details include the presence of the Renaissance Bakócz Chapel, which survived previous destructions, and the fact that composer Ferenc Liszt conducted the mass during the basilica’s original consecration.