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

Karina & Martin - WhyWeTravel (7 months ago)
A perfect place for an English mass in Budapest. Hopefully we can attend soon again.

Elena Rücker (12 months ago)
No matter how many churches one has seen through their life, this one will certainly surprise you. Simply go inside.

Iliesh Popescu (13 months ago)
Nice place, there are some bars in vicinity where you could stay with all your friends.

Claudiu (15 months ago)
Unfortunately I made the mistake of not reading reviews before I entered and completely missed out on the basement section. The staff are not very good at communicating, I received a paper in English on which several items in the church were explained but that was about it Price for entrance is a bit steep at 2000HUF considering that many many churches in Vienna or Krakow are free and are much more of a rewarding experience. To be honest on the inside it feels rather austere. The view from the tower isn't that exciting either Worst thing was the national flag of Hungary in full display both at the entrance and in front of the altar, maybe someone should tell these guys that Christ died for the whole world not just for the Magyars

János Orbán (15 months ago)
There's a great landmark view from the 18 m high towers. For a moderate cost one can climb the left tower by lift then walk over to the 2nd tower and after that go down and see the church in the basement.

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