Budapest St Matthias Church with a Multi Colored Roof
St Matthias Church in Budapest Hungary stands out as one the beautiful churches in Budapest for its multi colored roof. St Matthias Church is officially called the Church of Our Lady or the Church of the Assumption of Buda Castle. Locals call it “Matyas Templom”. It is also spelled as San Matthias Church or San Matias Church.
Budapest St Matthias Church History
History texts mention a church called Church of Mary stood on the site of the current building. It was founded by Saint Stephen, the first king of Hungary in 1015. The exteriors got many restorations ever since it was built. The present look is the result of the extensive restoration work in late 1900s.
The cathedral is named after King Matthias Corvinus, who ruled from 1458 to 1490. King Matthias is credited to have remodelled and expanded the building in Gothic style in the 15th century. He added the southern high tower, which came to be called as Matthias bell tower in his honor. This Budapest Church was the venue for King Matthias’s two weddings.
His emblem was the raven (corvus in Latin), a symbol that can be seen in numerous locations. According to legend, while he was held captive in Prague, his mother used a raven to send him letters.
Do read: Beautiful Interior of Matthias Church Budapest.
Matyas Templom
In the late 19th century, the renowned architect Frigyes Schulek meticulously restored Matthias Church in the Neo-Gothic style, a project spanning from 1873 to 1896. His efforts transformed the church into a stunning jewel atop Buda Castle Hill. This magnificent structure is now complemented by the picturesque Fisherman’s Bastion viewing towers, the historic Holy Trinity Square, and the luxurious five-star Hilton Hotel, creating a captivating blend of history and modern elegance.
Stepping into the main square of the Castle area I was captivated by the look of the slender and graceful architecture of this beautiful Catholic Church in Budapest. We took time to appreciate the exterior of this famous church in Budapest and them stepped inside. (You need tickets, info at the end.)
When you visit, you’ll find that your tower ticket includes a delightful 10-minute guided tour. The start time for this tour is printed on the ticket, so be sure to check it. To make the most of your visit, try to arrive at the tower entrance about 5 minutes before the tour begins. As you ascend the 197 steps to the panoramic terrace, you’ll be rewarded with breath-taking views. Just remember, there’s no elevator or washroom in the tower, so plan accordingly.
Matthias Church Budapest – Beautiful Churches of Europe
St Matthias Church Budapest: Interesting Facts
- This is the oldest church of Budapest. Béla IV, who was rebuilding the country after the Mongolian raids of 1241-1242, began the construction in 1255.
- The church was the scene of several coronations including that of Charles IV in 1916 (the last Habsburg king).
- The southern tower, 80 meters tall, bears the king’s name, because he ordered its restoration and marking it with his symbol, the raven.
- One of the gates preserves the memory of Matthias’s second wife, Beatrice of Naples.
- Some of the old stained glass windows are preserved well.
- Handmade tiles were used for the roof of the church.
- It was used a mosque for 145 years.
Church to Mosque and back as Church
Buda was captured by Turks in 1541, during the century and a half of Turkish occupation, the vast majority of its ecclesiastical treasures were shipped to Pressburg (present day Bratislava). The church became the city’s main mosque.
Matthias Church was also a place of the so called Mary-Wonder. The interesting story is that, in 1686 during the siege of Buda by the Holy League a wall of the church collapsed due to cannon fire.
As if by miracle an old votive Madonna statue hidden behind the wall got exposed. As the sculpture of the Virgin Mary appeared before the praying Muslims, the morale of the garrison collapsed and the city fell on the same day.
Stained Glass Windows
During World War II, Budapest suffered heavy losses and the church too was damaged partially. Fortunately, some of the church’s valuables like the painted window glasses made by Bertalan Székely and Károly Lotz, which were hidden during the war, escaped the shattering effects of bombs. They can be still seen in their original form on the Southern side of the church.
San Matthias Church with multi colored roof
Visitors enter the church through the Mary Portal, adorned with a meticulously reconstructed Gothic relief by the masterful Frigyes Schulek. This exquisite entrance opens onto Trinity Square, directly facing the enchanting Fisherman’s Bastion.
Arch over the entrance door, Mary Portal
Three Towers of Matthias Church
The three towers of Matthias Church stand out prominently. The Bela Tower with multi-coloured roof tiles, the taller Matthias Tower and the small black (or dark brown) tower called the Hussar Tower.
Matthias Church Roof Tiles
Architect Frigyes Schulek is credited with largely restoring St. Matthias Church to its original splendor. He added magnificent diamond patterned roof tiles and gargoyles. The colorful ceramic tiles, Zsolnay ceramic tiles, of the roof of Matthias Church were made by the famous Zsolnay Manufacture.
It gave the building a mild modern look. Here is a picture of the beautiful tile patterns. They reminded me of the colorful tiles in Vienna Cathedral – Roof Tiles of St Stephen’s Cathedral Vienna and those in Basel Minster, Switzerland.
San Matias church roof
Budapest St Matthias Church with multi colored roof
Nearby attractions:
The Fisherman’s Bastion on Buda Castle hill. Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue is in UNESCO World Heritage list since 1987.
Open Timings of Budapest St Matthias Church
The church is a venue of several events, so it is advisable to check the open timings if you plan a visit to Buda Castle in Budapest. The general timings are:
Mon – Fri: 09.00-17.00, Sat: 09.00 – 13.00, (on some Saturdays till 17.00) and Sun: 13.00 – 17.00, on religious holidays opening hours vary.
Matthias Church Budapest Tickets
Adults: 2900 Ft, Student with ID: 2300 Ft.
How to reach San Matias Church
There are different modes by which you can reach the St Matthias Church in top of Castle hill.
Take the funicular that leaves just in front of the Chain Bridge, or you can take one of the many paths that will take you up to the top of the hill or drive up the hill in your car (we did this). There was ample parking space when we reached at noon.
Things to do at Matthias Church
There are several interesting activities to do when you arrive at Budapest St Matthias Church. If you plan well, you can do a few of these activities at Matthias Church, if not all:
- Explore Matthias Church for Culture and History
- Sightseeing Cruises and Boat Tours
- Matthias Church rainy-day activities, summer activities
- Sunset Tours
- Explore church gardens and parks
Conclusion
In conclusion, Budapest’s St Matthias Church stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural grandeur of Catholic churches in Hungary. Its Neo-Gothic splendor, meticulously restored by Frigyes Schulek, makes it one of the most remarkable churches in Budapest. Whether you’re drawn by its historical significance, architectural beauty, or the captivating legends surrounding it, Matthias Church offers a unique glimpse into Hungary’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Don’t miss the chance to explore this iconic landmark on your visit to Budapest.
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Very pleasing. However I feel, this ought to have been given the status of a Cathedral.
Lovely pictures and the colours have come out so well in the last one.
Wonderful church, the roof is magnificent!
okay, i'm a loss for words here,
just gorgeous arch. and wonderful set of fotos.
happy weekend dear Indrani. ^0^
Wow… that roof… amazing beautiful!
Greetings from Holland,
Anna :-))
Beautiful Church Spire
Really impressive. Well done. Boom & gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Beautiful church.
Regards and best wishes
Hi Indrani, everything about this church is beautiful. I love the spire. Your sky is gorgeous. Fantastic photos. Happy Skywatching!
Beautiful church with such a colorful roof.
Such a beautiful church! Love the roof tiles.
Love the tiles, a perfect work of art!
Someday, I want to travel to places that you went.
How gorgeous! The patterns on the roof are a work of art.
The story of the Mary-Wonder is very interesting. The church itself is simply gorgeous. The main spire is magnificent, and the roof tiles are beautiful.
Wow I love the story and the I thought it's only the architecture that makes my eyes popped out but the roof is amazingly beautiful!! I have not seen a roof like that. Thanks fro sharing.
SWF
That's a stunning church and the blue sky sets it off so well. Very interesting information too.
beautiful architecture…i am going to Budapest in a few weeks. I will hopefully see this magnificent place while there!
interesting history and magnificent pictures!
precious detailings.
My sky is here
Beautiful shots.
Sydney – City and Suburbs
What a beautiful architecture – is that Romansque?
And those tile patterns are amazing!
exquisite photos Indrani!
lovely photos..thanks for sharing..i was there last august 2011..love it..
Ruby's Snapshots
I would love to visit Budapest, it looks very inviting in all your photos.
What a beautiful church! Incredible spires and the roof tiles are awesome and so are your captures for the day, Indrani! Really superb! And such lovely blue skies! Hope you have a great weekend!
Sylvia
Eindrückliche Bilder liebe Indrani…
Grüsse aus der Schweiz
Hans-Peter
Wonderful, I love, the beautiful church of St Matthias. Greetings.
Beautiful church, its enough to make one a christian.
Beautiful photographs….well done Indrani.
Greetings, Joop
The spire is magnificent! And the roof has an incredibly intricate design!