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The romantic Matthias Church on Castle Hill was founded in mid 13th century, originally for the German citizens of Buda, and used over the centuries as a coronation church by Hungarian kings, a mosque for more than 150 years by the Ottoman Turks during their reign, was once owned by Franciscans, then by Jesuits, and is now a thriving Catholic church holding masses, concerts, weddings, and a must-see landmark popular with countless visiting tourists from all around the world.
The breathtaking and colorful Matthias Church is inspired by orientalism and romantic historicism which when paired with Neo-Gothic characteristics, merges into an architectural arrangement that differentiates it from any other church in Hungary and across Europe.
An interesting anecdote occurred in 1686 during the siege of Buda city by the Holy League (forces consisting of the Holy Roman Empire, Poland-Lithuania, Venice, Russia, and Habsburg Hungary) against the Ottoman Empire. A wall of Matthais church, which was utilized as a converted mosque by the Ottoman occupiers of the city at the time, collapsed and revelead an ancient Madonna statue hidden behind it. As the sculpture of the Virgin Mary appeared before the praying Muslims, the morale of the garrison guarding the Church collapsed, and the city fell the same day, anointing the occasion as a “Marian Miracle”.
The structure of the Church expanded and rubuilt throughout the many years till it reached its current neo-Gothic appearance during to reconstruction carried out between 1873-1896.
Matthias Church is located on the hilly side of Buda, in district I – the historical center of the city with an enviable natural landscape and stunning overlooking views onto the Danube, where the church’s graceful architecture dominates the main square of the Royal Castle area.
The Matthias Church tour with EZRaider scooter is one of the most popular attractions in Budapest and is recommended for tourists looking for a uniquely memorable tour experience in small boutique groups.
The route passing by Matthias Church is part of “The Buda Castle” route with EZRaider. The tour is accompanied by a professional rider leading the way for safety. Along this trail, filled with picturesque views of the city, are many famous must-see attractions, and it includes stops at some of the best photography locations in Budapest.
