We all love to travel. At least I think so. So far, I have not met a single person who said they don't like to travel. That is the whole point of life for me, to go and see the world, to learn from other cultures. We meet many people while we are on a trip and on the way to our planned destination.
My youngest sister met a girl named Kaća one warm day on a summer vacation in Corfu. That happened about 8 years ago. Since then they stay in touch and hung out, even though Kaća is from another city, they went to each other's houses do sleepovers and spent time together.
Today, my sister Jana and Kaća are in Budapest, they go to school together there and live in the same dorm. You see how an ordinary family vacation finds a friend for life, even though they are still young, usually friendships that last longer than 7 years stay for life. That's what I heard, I don't know if it's true, and I'm too young to know.
Budapest is beautiful, although I have been there many times because of my sister, this time was an exception. I went with my girlfriend Mia, it was a totally new experience. Because when I walked the streets of Budapest I knew everything, everything was familiar to me, but I felt like I was there for the first time, like I was looking at it with different eyes. I saw it from a different perspective.
When I stepped onto the streets of Budapest, I immediately felt something calling out to me. It was an unknown energy. I slowly walked towards the center with Mia. The buildings were built in different styles, but they were all tasteful, and they all seemed similar to me. But when I raised my head, I saw a beautiful dome, it was the dome of St. Stephen's Basilica. I followed that dome, because whenever I come, I love to sit in the cafe next to the basilica, enjoy a drink and the view.
Saint Istvan, or as we know him, Saint Stephen I, was the first king of Hungary and the figure around whom the nation's statehood crystallized in the 11th century. His coronation in the year 1000 was not only a political act, it was the recognition of the papacy and the entire Christian world that Hungary was becoming part of the European community of Christian nations. St. Stephen introduced Christianity to the country and established a church hierarchy that maintained the spirit of the nation for centuries. His right hand, a relic known as Szent Jobb, is still kept today in this very basilica.
A beautiful view of one of the domes of the basilica as the rain clouds slowly gather above it. I photographed this with my camera, old but good. Then Mia and I hid in the cafe because it was going to rain at any moment.
The construction of the basilica began in 1851. At first glance, a figure like any other, but when you take into account everything that happened in that period, in Hungary and beyond, you realize that it was not a peaceful moment. The revolution of 1848 and 1849 was still a fresh wound in the people's memory, Austria-Hungary was just being established, and the idea of Hungarian identity was being tested.
The basilica was built over 50 years. It wasn't just because of finances or architectural challenges, although both played a role. The main architect was Miklós Ybl, one of the most important Hungarian builders, who is also responsible for the restoration of the National Opera building. After his death, József Kauser took over the works. Work was done slowly, thoroughly, with respect for every detail.
It is interesting that the dome collapsed in 1868, something that would mean the end of a dream for many. But not here. Here it was a sign that one had to start from the beginning, more thoroughly, more thoughtfully. And it is. They didn't give up. Because this church was not just a construction project. She was a symbol of faith, perseverance, rebirth.
It was completed only in 1905. Half a century of masonry patience. Although it is formally dedicated to Roman Catholic worship, the basilica is in many ways more than that, it is a temple of the national spirit.
In front of the basilica is a square that gradually expands like a stage. The square has been renovated in a more modern spirit, but retains its dignity. When you stand in front of it, the height of 96 meters seems as if it touches the sky itself, it is interesting that the height is identical to the building of the Hungarian Parliament. Symbolic? Of course. The church and the state are two forces that shape the nation for centuries.
Bell towers are powerful, but not intrusive. They do not shout, but whisper about the past times. About the color of the sky above Austria-Hungary. About the days when the streets below were filled with horse-drawn carriages, priests and generals, students and believers, all who passed by carrying their small hopes under the cover of a great faith.
Unfortunately I didn't go inside the basilica, but I don't think I missed anything in terms of understanding the place. Because the true significance of such buildings is not in the gilded columns or frescoes, but in their place in the collective memory of a people. In the way the old woman stops in front of it and crosses herself. In the tourists who try to capture the perfect angle, not knowing that the soul of the basilica is not in the lens. And I saw pictures on the Internet, and next time I go to Budapest, I will make an effort to enter the basilica :D
It stands as a silent reminder that past times have left their marks, and that faith, whether religious or human, is what pushes us forward even when everything around us collapses, like the dome in 1868.
As the sun begins to set over Budapest, the facade of the basilica takes on a warm golden color. The light plays with the stones, the shadows dance around the portal, and you stand there, without having set foot inside, and you know that you were still part of something important.
Maybe I didn't enter. But I did feel the energy of the basilica. And that's enough. I will go next time ;)
All photos are taken by me with my phone Samsung S23 and little camera Canon PowerShot A2400
I hope you enjoyed reading and looking at the photos. I enjoyed making this blog, I hope you did too. Until next time, "Regards!"
