Matthias Church: A Complete Visitor's Guide
- attractionsthings to do
- January 18, 2024
Matthias Church, located in the Holy Trinity Square, right in front of the Fisherman’s Bastion, is one of the oldest monuments in Budapest, with relevant historic and religious value. Officially known as the Church of Our Lady, it has witnessed centuries of transformations, from its origins in the 13th century to its restoration in the 19th century.
Join us as we delve into its fascinating story and all the practical information you need to visit the Matthias Church.
QUICK LINKS:
• Fun facts
• History
• Architecture
• Tickets
• Opening hours
• Inside Matthias Church
• How to get there
• Frequent Questions
Why is the Matthias Church important?
• Believed by some to have been founded by Saint Stephen, the first King of Hungary
• Officially known as The Church of Our Lady, or Nagyboldogasszony-templom, because it was Initially dedicated to the Virgin Mary
• Most commonly called Matthias Church, it goes by other names: Church of the Assumption of the Buda Castle, Church of Mary, or Coronation Church
• Served as a coronation venue for centuries, endured a 150-year period as an Ottoman mosque, passed through the hands of Franciscans and Jesuits, and is currently a Catholic church and a tourist attraction
Matthias Church: History and Architecture
What is the history of the Matthias Church?
Matthias Church, originally founded in the 13th century, underwent various transformations and renovations over the centuries. Its history is intertwined with Hungary’s royal and cultural heritage, and it continues to be a symbol of the country’s rich history and architectural excellence.
13th century: founding and early years
Matthias Church has its origins dating back to the late 13th century. Historians suggest that the first church on this site may have been founded by Saint Stephen, the first king of Hungary, around 1015, although this belief lacks substantial supporting evidence. Initially dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it carried various names such as “The Church of Mary” and “The Church of Our Lady” until the 19th century.
13th century: King Béla IV and Gothic transformation
In the mid-13th century, King Béla IV embarked on the construction of a grand Roman Catholic church on the same site. This decision followed the devastating Mongol invasion of 1242, which left Hungary in ruins. The church, initially named after the Virgin Mary, saw significant construction efforts during this period. The first phase of construction, from 1255 to 1260, involved the creation of the main shrine and auxiliary shrines under the guidance of Villard de Honnecourt. The architectural influence can be compared to the Lyon Cathedral.
15th century: Gothic Renaissance under King Matthias
The 15th century marked a significant transformation of the church under the reign of King Matthias Corvinus, reason why the Church would be named after him. King Matthias, renowned for his leadership and legendary deeds, expanded and remodeled the church in the Gothic style. He added the imposing southern high tower, known as the Matthias bell tower, and enhanced the church’s overall Gothic appearance. King Matthias chose the church as a preferred venue for royal weddings, including his own, making it a prestigious wedding location in Hungary.
16th century: Turkish occupation
During the Ottoman Turkish occupation of Buda in 1526, the church was spared from complete destruction but was converted into a mosque. Many valuable artifacts were removed, ornate furnishings were damaged, and altars and paintings were concealed behind whitewashed brick walls. It wasn’t until 1686, when Christian mercenary troops reclaimed Buda from the Turks, that the church underwent significant renovation and reconstruction.
A Jesuit Temple, in 17th and 18th centuries
After the recapture of Buda in 1686, the church changed hands, initially becoming the property of the Franciscans and later the Jesuit Order. Under Jesuit administration, extensive alterations were made in the Baroque style. Between 1688 and 1702, a substantial dormitory was constructed on its north side, accompanied by a three-story seminary on the south side between 1702 and 1714.
Neo-Gothic Restoration in the 19th century
In the early 19th century, a massive restoration project in the Neo-Gothic style was initiated by Frigyes Schulek, lasting from 1873 to 1896. Schulek not only restored the church but also elevated it to a stunning gem in the Buda Castle Hill area, surrounded by landmarks like the Fisherman’s Bastion and the historical Holy Trinity Square.
20th century and beyond
Throughout the 20th century, Matthias Church faced various challenges, including damage during World War II and multiple renovations and restorations. In 1999, for the first time in its history, the church was handed over to the Catholic Church as parish property.
Matthias Church entry fee
Getting inside Matthias Church in Budapest isn’t free; to visit the temple, you can buy your tickets online or in person. However, that doesn’t include a visit to the tower, which you can buy on-spot.
How much does it cost to go to Matthias Church Budapest?
Price to visit Matthias Church Temple:
- Adult: 2,500 HUF
- Students and Seniors (proof required): 1,900 HUF
- Family: 5900
- Children (below 6 years): No charge
- Supplementary ticket: 500 HUF
Price to visit the Tower:
- Adult: 2900 HUF
- Students and Seniors: 2400 HUF
- Family: 6900 HUF
- Children (below 6 years): No charge
- Supplementary ticket: 500 HUF
Prices were last checked on 18 Jan 2024.
Is Matthias Church Tower worth it?
The view from the tower is totally worth it – you can see many of Budapest wonders, like the Danube river, Budapest Parliament, St. Stephen’s Basilica, the beautiful bridges spanning the city, and even the Church’s unique tiles.
Matthias Church Tours
If you buy the standard tickets to enter Matthias Church, there won’t be a tour included. However, you can book a Buda Castle & Matthias Church tour all together, or simply go to Getyourguide.com to find other deals and get more insight from locals and/or historians.
Opening hours in 2024
All year round, Matthias Church is open to visitors as follows:
- Monday to Friday: 9 am – 5 pm
- Saturdays: 9 am – 12:15 pm
- Sundays: 1 pm – 5 pm
Entering Matthias Church: what to expect inside
Ground floor
- Western Facade: Dating to the 19th century, it features medieval carvings from Schulek’s renovation. It showcases the church’s renovation years on the pediment.
- Matthias Tower: The southern bell tower (Mátyás Tower), built in the 14th century, displays the Hunyadi family’s raven coat of arms and underwent Gothic transformation in the 15th century.
- South Facade: Boasts three large pointed arched windows and features sculptures from the 1250s. The Mária Gate, closer to the Mátyás Tower, has Gothic carvings from the 15th century.
- Mary’s Gate: From the 19th century, it houses a significant 17th-century Loreto statue. It also depicts the Dormition and Ascension of the Virgin Mary.
- Hall Square: Originally a basilica, the church’s hall square has a distinct ceiling painting with blue and yellow backgrounds.
- Coat of Arms of Matthias: A raven coat of arms of the Hunyadi family and King Matthias’s crowned coat of arms adorn the tower.
- Béla Tower: Budapest’s oldest medieval stone carving stands at the Béla Tower, depicting two hooded figures pointing to a book. It was likely created in the 1260s.
- The Southern Bell Mural: Károly Lotz’s mural in the Béla Tower commemorates the fight against the Turks, depicting Pope Callixtus and St. János Capistrán.
- Sanctuary: The main altar features Romanesque and Gothic elements, with a central figure of the Virgin Mary, but also and scenes related to Hungarian coronation.
- Chapels: St. Imre’s Chapel, Holy Trinity Chapel, Saint László Chapel, Holy Cross Chapel and St. Stephen’s Chapel, each with their history.
First floor
- Windows of the South Wall: The large arched windows on the south wall depict the lives of three holy women: the Virgin Mary, Saint Margaret, and Saint Elizabeth.
- Organ Gallery: The church has a rich musical history, with a choir and orchestra serving during the reign of King Mátyás. The “King’s Organ,” completed in 1909, is the largest organ in Budapest.
- Flags: Throughout history, the church has displayed captured flags after victorious campaigns. Reproductions of the original flags are on display.
- Royal Oratory: After the 1867 coronation, a separate space was created for the royal family. A hexagonal neo-Gothic staircase leads to the royal oratory overlooking the sanctuary.
- Malta Hall: The chapel of the Association of the Hungarian Knights of Malta is located in the small organ gallery above the chapter sacristy.
Gallery
- Béla Halls: The series of rooms above the northern side chapels now serve as exhibition spaces for the museum. These areas are named after King Béla IV, the church’s founder.
How to get to Matthias Church
To reach the Matthias Church (and the Castle District), the best options are by bus or with Budapest’s funicular. Here’s how:
- Catch Bus 16/16A from Szell Kalman Square (accessible via Metro M2) or Bus #16 from Deak Ferenc Ter (connected to Metro M1, M2, or M3);
- Hop on the Buda Castle Funicular at Clark Adam Square near the Chain Bridge, and it will take you up to Castle Hill. From the Funicular terminal, it’s just a short 5-minute stroll to reach Matthias Church.
Alternatively, you can also get a taxi, a bike or a scooter. Or, if you’re up for a steep walk, many people prefer to go up the hill by foot.
Matthias Church: Frequent Questions
Is it worth visiting Matthias Church?
If you’re into history, architecture, or religion (or all of them), a visit to Matthias Church is a must. For a reasonable fee, you can explore this Catholic Church with a fascinating historical background, featuring a unique blend of Catholic Architecture with Moorish influences. Totally worth it!
What religion is Matthias Church?
Who is buried in Matthias Church Budapest?
The remains of Béla III of Hungary, a notable Hungarian monarch who ruled during the 12th century, along with his first wife, Agnes of Antioch, were interred in the chapel located in the northern nave of Matthias Church in 1898. Béla III was known for his efforts to strengthen Hungary’s monarchy and expand its influence during his reign.
How tall is the Matthias Church?
Matthias Church’s bell tower stands at an impressive 78 meters, thanks to various additions and renovations carried out over the years.
How old is Matthias Church?
Matthias Church boasts a rich history, dating back to its original construction in the 13th century. If we count from the final date when its construction finished, the Church is 764 years old.
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