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Matyas Templom

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actonsteve
actonsteve
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4 out of 5
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Editor Pick

Várnegyed: Mátyás templom and Halászbástya

  • March 5, 2006
  • Rated 5 of 5 by UK Flower Girl from Market Weighton, England
Várnegyed: Mátyás templom and Halászbástya

Mátyás templom (Mathias Church)

You can’t miss this fabulous tiled roof church, also known as Church of Our Lady, just a short stroll down from the funicular station at the top of the hill. This church, founded in 1255, lie in ruins back in 1873. Twenty years later the church had been restored to its medieval splendour with the assistance of several master crafters. The church received special attention in restoration of its polychrome tile roof, bas-reliefs, stained-glass windows and paintings. During restoration, Frigyes Schulek restored the church to its 13th-century plan but also added new motifs of his own (diamond pattern roof tiles and gargoyle-laden spire).

View from across the river:
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Not only was the church the scene of several coronations, including that of Charles IV in 1916 (the last Habsburg king), it was also the site for King Matthias' two weddings (the first to Catherine of Podiebrad and, after her death, to Beatrice of Aragon).

Matthias Church is simply amazing starting from the beautifully tiled roof outside to its colourful friezes and wide-open spaces on the inside. From the moment you step inside to the moment you leave you are surrounded by colourful decoration, a feast for the eyes. Don’t forget to take a walk through the treasury one floor above the main floor of the church. Here you will find a unique view of the church from the treasury’s viewing balcony. The treasury houses a plethora of interesting pieces such as ancient casulas, crown jewels, the Saint Crown of Hungary (crown jewels and crown are replicas) and various other rich church pieces. Though I found several of these items to be of interest, the interior of the church kept drawing me back to look at its bright colours and interesting arches.

2005-08-130

The church has an interesting 700 year history, the darkest period being the 150 years of Turkish Occupation. A majority of its treasures were shipped off to Bratislava. It also served as the city's main mosque after the capture of the city in 1541.

Halászbástya (Fisherman’s Bastion)

For the best views over the Danube, Pest and especially the Parliament building, take yourself over to the Fisherman's Bastion next to Matthias Church.

Built in 1905 by Schulek on the site of a medieval fish market, the bastion's turrets, terraces, steps and columns are made to resemble Magyar tents. Pay special attention to the interesting columns, arches and different shades of limestone, they make for stunning photo opportunities. For a small fee you can enter the main part of the bastion or do what we did and take in the free views from the other areas of the bastion.

2005-08-138

It is definitely worth your time to stop into the wonderful Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion when you are in the historic old town on the hill in Budapest.

From journal Delightful Budapest

Mathias Church, Budapest

  • June 22, 2004
  • Rated 5 of 5 by melissa_bel from Hautrage, Belgium
We only had 1 day in Budapest and didn’t know exactly where to go (we didn't really plan to stop). First stop was Mathias Church (or MÁTYÁS TEMPLOM), a beautiful church located in the Castle District. Officially, the Church is dedicated to Our Lady but it's been named after Mathias, one of the most famous and loved figures of Hungarian monarchy. It had a tumultuous story and was even converted to a mosque during Ottoman rule. Although the outside is Gothic in style, the interior has a surprising Byzantine flair with its mosaics.

From journal Roadtrip to Romania

Editor Pick

Matyas Templom

  • May 1, 2002
  • Rated 3 of 5 by kylebarber from Seattle, Washington
Matyas Templom

A fascinating church in any setting, the Matyas Templom appears extraordinary perched high on the eastern cliffs of Castle Hill. The interior of Matyas Templom (or Matthias Church) is no less dramatic, with gold flourishes and stained glass windows vying for attention with ceiling and wall frescoes.

Dating back to the 1200's, Matyas Templom has been host to a number of important historical events and has undergone quite a few changes over the years. A significant reconstruction occurred in 1896 resulting in much of its physical appearance today.

From journal Hungary: Return to Budapest

Editor Pick

soul of Budapest - St Matyas Templedom

  • March 18, 2001
  • Rated 3 of 5 by actonsteve from London, United Kingdom
soul of Budapest - St Matyas Templedom

This building is Budapest's principal church. Situated on Varhegy, castle hill and overlooking spectacular views of the Danube - this is an amazing church. It has withstood everything - Ottoman invasions, Nazi air attacks and forty years under the communists.
Built in the 1200's it found itself being turned into a mosque when Budapest was invaded by the Ottomans in 1541. It remained a mosque for three hundred years before Hungary was absorbed into the Austrian Empire and it was returned to its state as a Catholic church.,br> It's gothic architecture is impressive on the outside. And once you step over the threshold (braving the beggars which always seem to be there) the interior is spectacular. When we visited it was Sunday morning. And on each Sunday at 10.00 am, mass is said by the archbishop of Budapest. We found ourselves cordoned off and caught up in the ceremony. The cardinal slowly made his entrance flanked by choirboys, and the whole church joined in with the chanting. But I couldn't place where the momentous music was coming from. Looking around I eventually spotted it - there was a full chamber orchestra up on the balcony complete with conductor. It really turned it into a magical experience.
After that it was easy to fall in love with Budapest.

From journal Budapest: my favourite city

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