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.

User Reviews

Krishna Bhaskaran (12 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!

Shane Pulmano (2 years ago)
Local place of worship with a long history - some features dating before 1046. Entrance is free; only going up the tower has a price (optional donation boxes present). Check out the family-themed statues, the high ornately decorated dome ceiling, stain-glass windows, a glass cutout on the floor showing off the old rock foundations of the original church. There is a small prayer chapel off the side where locals come to. Overal a beautiful place to go for a moment of reflection.

Daryl Trujillo (2 years ago)
Great place to attend mass at 5:00 PM weekdays. Especially if you are on river cruise. Prayer, praise, and thanksgiving for all God's blessings.

Licia Moiola (2 years ago)
Really a beautiful church. You can take pictures inside and I think some time there are concerts..

Alejandro Bermudez (2 years ago)
This is indeed the mother Church of Budapest and one of the most historic and beautiful buildings in Hungary. destroyed and rebuilt several times, converted into a Mosque, regained as a Catholic Church, it still preserves a significant part of its incredibly artistic roof

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Elecé

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La Iruela Castle

The castle of La Iruela, small but astonishing, is located on the top of a steep crag in Sierra de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park. From the castle, impressive views of the surrounding area and of the town can be enjoyed.

The keep dates from the Christian era. It has a square base and small dimensions and is located at the highest part of the crag.

There are some other enclosures within the tower that create a small alcázar which is difficult to access.

In a lower area of the castle, protected with defensive remains of rammed earth and irregular masonry, is an old Muslim farmstead.

After a recent restoration, an open-air theater has been built on La Iruela castle enclosure. This theater is a tribute to the Greek and Classic Eras and holds various artistic and cultural shows throughout the year.

History

The first traces of human activity in La Iruela area are dated from the Copper Age. An intense occupation continued until the Bronze Age.

Originally, La Iruela (like Cazorla) was a modest farmstead. From the 11th century, a wall and a small fortress were built on the hill to protect the farmers.

Around 1231, don Rodrigo Ximénez de Rada, Archbishop of Toledo, conquered La Iruela and made it part of the Adelantamiento de Cazorla. Over the Muslim fortress, the current fortress was built.

Once the military use of the fortress ended, it was used as cemetery.

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