Belváros Church

Budapest, Hungary

Belváros (Inner City) Church is the oldest building in Pest side of river in Budapest. It was built in 1046 as a grave of Bishop St. Gellért (c. 980-1046), a missionary from Italy who played an instrumental role in converting Hungary to Christianity. According to tradition, he was martyred by angry pagans who rolled him down a hill across the river, which was named Gellért Hill in his honor.

The first church constructed on this spot was a 12th-century Romanesque structure built inside the ruined walls of the Roman fortress of Contra-Aquincum. In the early 14th century, after destroyed by Mongols, this church was replaced by a Gothic church which still stands today. It has been frequently renovated and remodeled in accordance with contemporary fashions, so its medieval origins are not obvious at first glance.

During the reign of Ottoman Empire Belváros was used as a mosque and in 1702 it was returned as a Christian church by Jesuits. The Rococo style pulpit dates from 1808.

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Founded: 1046
Category: Religious sites in Hungary

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Deb C (17 months ago)
Beautiful church . Visited while on Viking River tour of city, able to walk up to the top , narrow stairs but worth it for the view . There is clear plexiglass(?) Over part of the floor where one can see another area underneath the church . One can walk to other interesting areas of Budapest from this church. We walked to the Zapatos on the sidewalk memorial, shopping and restaurants, interesting lines ingraved on the sidewalks that are indicative of the Danube River .
BARTOSZ Radojewski (19 months ago)
A very exciting place. Church on top of the old Roman Fort, with Romanesque and gothic elements, that later became the mosque. Elements of all these fazes are there to admire. On top of this a lift takes the visitors to the tower. Again, an exciting place.
Oleg Naumov (23 months ago)
Inner City Parrish Church in Pest, but officially, it is the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary. First church was built here in 1046. When Ottomans conquered Buda in 1541, church was transformed into mosque and became church again only after the liberation in 1686. Church was reconstructed and got present-day appearance after the fire of 1723. Budapest, ?? Hungary ??. November 11, 2021. It seems on the first day of the New Year, I have found the tomb of Paul Kray of Krayova and Topolya (1735-1804) famous General of Holy Roman Empire! He took part in the War of Bavarian Succession in 1778, War against Ottomans of 1787-1791, and Wars of First and Second Coalitions in 1792-1797 and in 1799-1802 against French scum and filth who beheaded their King and Queen. It is situated in the Inner City Parrish Church in Pest, but officially, it is the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Lipotvaros, Budapest, ?? Hungary ??. January 1, 2022.
Krishna Bhaskaran (23 months ago)
Oldest and yet well maintained Church. Next to a beautiful park and beautifully lighted bridge. Whole area around this church is family and kids friendly. Apart from appreciating the beauty of Church, there are quiet sites and sceneries that a tourist would appreciate!
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