The ornate tower, curving buttresses and red-and-white mosaic roof make this place of worship an unmissable part of Budapest's glorious heritage.
The Matthias Church is not Budapest’s cathedral, but it certainly gives that impression. The dramatic contrast of whitened Gothic stonework and spangled red-tiled roof, together with its flamboyant gargoyle-adorned tower, give it an allure rarely seen among European churches. And it owes its unique look, partly, to the halting history of Budapest.Many of the city's churches were converted to mosques in the 16th century during the Turkish rule Matthias Church is no exception, but was restored to its 13th century Baroque splendour (plus some more modern touches) by Frigyes Schulek when the city was in its heyday in the late 1800s.When seen from the Danube, its commanding spire seems to merge into the general glory of the Buda Castle – the complex of ramparts, towers, walls and palaces that make up the Castle District. In fact the gleaming whites and reds of Matthias Church lie a little north of the main castle buildings. But Schulek's clever wrapping of the church in the towers and terraces of the Fisherman's Bastion helped unite castle and church – thus making Budapest's skyline into the fabulous gem you see today.The interior of the church is no less splendid, featuring gold-leafed frescoes, stained glass windows and an impressive organ. As well as being a place of worship, with Roman Catholic services still being given in Latin today, the church is home to the Ecclesiastical Art Museum. This small museum contains many religious artefacts and historical relics.The church is known for its music and has its own choir and orchestra who give concerts throughout the year, as well as being a regular concert venue for visiting groups. Visitors to the church should be aware of the dress code in place – shoulders must be covered and men must not wear hats. The church is normally open all day in the week, on Saturday mornings and after the morning service on Sundays.
