From my photos at Flickr Produced by Kayakman Media

On the southern slope of Gellért hill and opposite the famous hotel and bath complex, a statue of St. István (the first Hungarian King) stands inviting followers to come into one of Hungary's most unique churches. Not only is Sziklatemplom built above an impressive cave system, the church itself is a cave (thus the name Rock Church).

Its history, though relatively short since the church opened in 1926, is just as unique. It was originally intended for the Pauline order of monks which Joszef II dissolved in the late 1700s. Finally, in 1934 fifteen Pauline friars returned from exile to Poland. Yet their ministry lasted less than a quarter of a century. Again, seemingly enemies of the state, the brethren were accused of treason by the Communist government. The gate to the church and monastery was sealed shut.

It would be nearly 40 years (1989) until Sziklatemplom reopened with a papal blessing on its new altar. As services are still held there today, it is important to remember that the church will not be open for viewing while mass is in session and that a dress code of reasonable modesty is requested.