Visit the colorful Matthias Church (Mátyás-templom) on Castle Hill on the western Buda side of the Danube River. The current Roman Catholic church was built in the late 1200s but was turned into a mosque in the 1500s when the city was occupied by Turks. Architect Frigyes Schulek restored the Baroque style in the late 1800s. He retained some Gothic elements and added multicolor diamond roof tiles and gargoyles, creating the church’s distinctive appearance in the Budapest skyline.
Another element of Schulek’s project is the Fisherman’s Bastion surrounding the church. This sparkling white terrace has seven towers representing the seven tribes that settled in the Budapest area in 896. Follow the walking path and stairs to the terrace for a beautiful view of the Danube, Pest and the Citadella. Look for a 1906 bronze statue of Stephen I of Hungary who was the first king of Hungary and a staunch Catholic.
Inside the church, listen to the impressive organ. Attend Sunday’s Latin high mass to hear a talented choir performing with the organist. The church orchestra also performs throughout the year.
The church interior has gold-leaf frescoes and stained-glass windows. It includes the Ecclesiastical Art Museum, which contains medieval stone carvings, sacred relics and copies of the Hungarian coronation jewels and royal crown.
There is no charge for entry to the church for the service, but tourists must purchase an entry ticket and abide by rules for respectful behavior specifically, all entrants should have covered shoulders and men should not wear hats. Cell phones, smoking, eating, drinking and pets are not allowed. The church is normally open all day on weekdays, mornings on Saturdays and afternoons on Sundays. Audio guides in English are available to rent.
Take the Castle Bus to reach the Matthias Church. It is a very short but somewhat hilly walk to the church.
Matthias Church Tours
Visit Matthias Church
Plan a trip to see Matthias Church
TG Hotel Apartments Budapest
Reviewed on Jun 14, 2024
Browse tours and tickets to explore Matthias Church
Tours & day trips
See all 618 activitiesOpens in new tabBudapest Danube River Sightseeing Night Cruise
Private & custom tours
See all 228 activitiesOpens in new tabZagreb - Budapest
Wildlife & nature
See all 14 activitiesOpens in new tabBudapest Segway Tour
Attractions
See all 8 activitiesOpens in new tabEntrance to Szechenyi Spa in Budapest
Classes & workshops
See all 35 activitiesOpens in new tabBudapest: Hungarian Cooking Class with a Professional Chef
Reviews of Matthias Church
5/5 - Excellent
Absolutely beautiful! You pay to go in but it’s worth it. If you want to attend a Catholic mass, you can go in for free.
4/5 - Good
very nice church with an unusual interior
5/5 - Excellent
Probably the most beautiful church I've ever seen. It's where the last Hungarian king (actually Austro-Hungarian Habsberg king) was crowned in 1916, before the fall of the empire at the end of WW I. Seeing this was worth the trip to the Buda Castle, which is more like an outdoor mall than a castle.
5/5 - Excellent
very pretty!
Popular places to visit
Trinity Square
You can learn about the history of Budapest with a stop at Trinity Square. Experience the acclaimed theater scene and fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.
Fisherman's Bastion
Enjoy magnificent views of the Danube River and the eastern half of Budapest from this fascinating neo-Gothic balcony at the top of Castle Hill.
Holy Trinity Column
Find out about the history of Budapest with a stop at Holy Trinity Column. Check out the stunning cathedral and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.
Szabo Marcipan Museum
You can browse the exhibits at Szabo Marcipan Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Budapest. Discover the entertainment choices and churches in this culturally rich area.
Aranysas Patika Museum
Rich with history, Aranysas Patika Museum is a cultural attraction worth visiting in Budapest. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this romantic area.
Golden Eagle Pharmacy Museum
Rich with history, Golden Eagle Pharmacy Museum is a cultural attraction worth visiting in Budapest. Discover the area's acclaimed art scene and stunning cathedral.
Best Lodging Options Near Matthias Church
Check availability on hotels close to Matthias Church
- Vacations and getaways similar to Matthias Church
- Other Hotels near Matthias Church, Budapest City Centre
- Hotels near popular Budapest Attractions
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Gellert Thermal Baths and Swimming Pool
- Buda Castle
- Parliament Building
- Szechenyi Thermal Bath
- St. Stephen's Basilica
- Szechenyi Chain Bridge
- Hungarian State Opera House
- Heroes' Square
- Fisherman's Bastion
- Danube River
- Rudas Baths
- Hungarian National Museum
- Ferenc Puskas Stadium
- Budapest Castle Hill Funicular
- Andrassy Avenue