Matthias Church

The Church of Our Lady, commonly known as Matthias Church, towering in the heart of the Buda Castle District, is one of the most significant witnesses of Hungarian history and a remarkable example of European Gothic architecture. Its foundation dates back to the 13th century, following the Mongol invasion, when King Béla IV ordered the construction of the castle. Over the centuries, the building was continuously expanded and transformed, reaching its golden age during the reign of Matthias Corvinus, after whom it is still named today and where he held both of his weddings. The storms of history did not spare the structure: during the Ottoman occupation, it served as the main mosque, and at the end of the 19th century, it was transformed into its current stunning Neo-Gothic form under the guidance of Frigyes Schulek. The colourful Zsolnay ceramic tiles adorning the roof and the richly painted interior walls are masterpieces of Hungarian national romanticism and medieval traditions, which continue to define Budapest's skyline today.

Visiting the church offers travellers a unique cultural and spiritual experience, far beyond a simple church visit. The Ecclesiastical Art Collection housed within its interiors showcases replicas of the Hungarian coronation regalia, historical relics, and medieval stone carvings for visitors to admire. The southern bell tower is also open to visitors, who can climb nearly two hundred steps to enjoy a unique bird's-eye view of the Fisherman's Bastion, the Danube, and the Pest side's panorama. Regular organ concerts and classical music evenings are held within the church's walls, offering unforgettable experiences thanks to the excellent acoustics. It is important to note that the building is an active place of worship, so tourist visits are scheduled around liturgical events, making it advisable to check opening hours in advance.

Matthias Church's sustainability efforts focus on harmonising the preservation of built heritage with modern environmental considerations. During the most recent comprehensive renovation, special attention was given to energy-efficient solutions, significantly reducing the building's ecological footprint through the modernisation of heating and lighting systems. In line with sustainable tourism, the church management supports digital ticket sales and guided tours accessible via smart devices, thereby reducing the use of paper-based informational materials. Heritage preservation here goes hand in hand with social sustainability: a significant portion of the revenue is allocated to ongoing maintenance and restoration work, ensuring that this cultural treasure remains accessible for future generations. By consciously managing visitor traffic, the church strives to preserve the tranquillity and integrity of the Castle District, encouraging tourists to opt for environmentally friendly approaches, such as using the castle bus or exploring on foot.

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