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St. Stephen’s Basilica (Hungarian: Szent István-bazilika) is a Roman Catholic basilica located in central Budapest, Hungary. It is one of the largest churches in the country and serves both as a place of worship and a major cultural landmark. The basilica is named after Stephen I, the first King of Hungary, who ruled in the early 11th century.

The building reaches a height of 96 meters, equal to that of the Hungarian Parliament Building. The number 96 has symbolic significance in Hungarian history, as it refers to the year 896, when the Magyar tribes settled in the Carpathian Basin. Completed in 1905 after several decades of construction, the basilica remains, together with the Parliament, one of the tallest historic structures in Budapest.

St. Stephen’s Basilica is situated on Szent István tér (St. Stephen’s Square). The square hosts seasonal events, including a Christmas market in winter. The basilica is accessible via three nearby metro stations: Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út, Arany János, and Opera. A pedestrian street connects the square with the Danube embankment.

The interior of the basilica is decorated with marble, gilding, and sculptures. It also houses the Holy Right (Szent Jobb), a relic believed to be the mummified right hand of King Stephen I, which has been venerated in Hungary for centuries. Visitors may access the basilica for an entrance fee, which in 2024 was 2300 HUF (approximately 6 euros).

The basilica’s dome and towers serve as observation points overlooking the city. Visitors can climb to the dome either by stairs or elevator, when available. The viewing platform provides panoramic views of central Budapest and the surrounding districts.