Located in Esztergom, a city in northern Hungary that is 46 km north-west of Budapest, sits the magnificent Cathedral at Esztergom, or Esztergom Basilica, which has long been a focal point of visitors and locals alike. Once the capital of Hungary, Esztergom itself is ideally located on the right bank of the enchanting River Danube, giving the entire area an air of magic and ancient charm. Both the church, and the very city in which it is located, provide the perfect sampling of the rich history and cultural discovery that Hungary has to offer.
Esztergom happens to be one of the oldest towns in Hungary, so it’s no surprise that the area is teeming with history. The city, as it existed during the Middle Ages, lies beneath the modern-day town. In fact, some archeologists believe that at least some of the area has been inhabited since the end of the Ice Age, some 20,000 years ago. The Celts are credited as being the first to settle in the region, somewhere around 350 BC. This long, rich and sometimes sordid past lends to the charm and atmosphere of the town as it stands today.
After it was nearly destroyed during World War II, Esztergom was slowly reconstructed to become a thriving city once again. Visitors today can enjoy the exquisite architectural designs that are found throughout, mainly that of Hungarian Classicism. The most noteworthy of these designs is the mighty Basilica, which dominates the landscape above the winding streets of the town and the flowing Danube River. Below the Cathedral, the old walls and bastions of the ancient castle still stand along the edge of the surrounding mountains.
The church is a spectacular sight to behold, rising up as the tallest building in all of Hungary, and the 18th largest in the world. It features a beautiful semi-sphere dome with 12 windows, which rests 100m high from the bottom of the crypt. The inside of the Basilica measures an impressive 5,600m and features a magnificent altarpiece that depicts the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This incredible piece of art was created by Michelangelo Grigoletti and is the world’s largest painting on a single canvas.
Another popular feature of the Cathedral is the Bakócz Chapel, which was constructed in the early 1500’s by Italian masters. It is made from exquisite red marble with walls that are adorned with motifs of the Tuscan Renaissance, which happens to be the most renowned example of Renaissance art remaining in Hungary. The Basilica’s crypt was built in differing style, having been constructed later, in 1831. It features Old Egyptian design and remains the resting place of a number of archbishops, including József Mindszenty.
Finally, the Cathedral’s magnificent organ was originally constructed in 1856 and was the largest organ in Hungary at the time, with 3,530 pipes, 49 stops and 3 manuals. In the 1980’s, a project was started to renovate and enlarge the organ, and this remains a work in progress. As of 2006, the organ had been expanded to feature 5 manuals and 85 stops. Presently, the organ contains the largest pipes in Hungary, measuring 10m high and approximately 35 feet long. It is expected to be the third largest organ in Europe once it is complete.
Hungary remains one of the most enchanting places to visit in Europe, and the world. With rich history, friendly people and fascinatingly unique culture, it’s certain to delight even the most distinguishing travelers. If a trip to this beautiful country is in your near future, Esztergom, and its magnificent Cathedral, should be at the top of your must-see list. You won’t be disappointed.