From my photos at Flickr Produced by Kayakman Media

Towering over nearly every other building in Budapest, St. Stephen's Basilica (Szent István-bazilika) is one of the city's grandest structures. Just like its twin in height (96 m), the Parliament Building, St. Stephen's is symbolic of Hungary's nationhood and plays an integral role in its historical psyche.

Stephen became the Sovereign of Magyars in Transdanubia in 997 and later united all the tribes. Three years later he received official, papal recognition from Pope Silvester II as the Christian king of Hungary, along with a jeweled crown and apostolic cross. Tradition notes the coronation day as Christmas 1000 or Janurary 1, 1001. And it is said that the city mourned for three years after his death in 1038 at the age of 63. It would be but 45 years (1083) before the miracles that occurred outside his tomb led to his canonization in Catholicism. He was also canonized by the Eastern Orthodox Church in 2000, proving him to be once again a uniter as he is the first saint to be recognized by both churches since the Great Schism.

While his first canonization quickly followed his death, it was over 900 years before the basilica named in his honor was finished. Although construction began in 1851, it took five decades and three architects to complete itbecause of war and the collapse of the dome which required extensive rebuilding. And while the upper building took some damage from bombings in WW2 (which were not repaired until the end of the century), its massive underground cellar kept safe many treasures and documents.

Although underground is not where you want to be when visiting this impressive structure designed in the neoclassical style. Gorgeous stained-glass windows diffuse light on the pews (which seat 8500). Statues of church fathers peer down at you inside and out of the building. And make sure you look up as many beautiful mosaics decorate the dome and ceiling. The Holy Right, the king's mummified right hand, is available for viewing for 100HUF in the reliquary.

Once you've taken in all you can inside, head up to the observation point and be awed all over again. The 360° view of Budapest is well worth the 500HUF (less for kids or groups) and the 364 stairs (though an elevator does cut the number significantly)--see photos and video clip in the SplashCast above. Besides seeing the two bell towers, one of which houses the largest bell in the country (9 tons or 9,144kg), you'll be able to spot Castle Hill, the Parliament Building, the mountains of Buda, and red-tiled roofs and narrow streets of Pest.

It's amazing roof-top view and peace-instilling interior may draw you back for more than one visit--which is good as you're sure to note design details you didn't see before.

For more information visit their website:
Saint Stephen's Basilica