Christmas market, St. Stephen's Basilica, Budapest, Hungary

© Calin Stan/Shutterstoc

St. Stephen's Basilica, Budapest, Hungary

As the holiday season kicks off, St. Stephen's Basilica becomes the dazzling centrepiece of one of Budapest's iconic Christmas markets. The fair buzzes with the festive spirit, offering a mix of Hungarian craft, festive décor and local delicacies, capturing the essence of a traditional Christmas.

The neoclassical basilica honours Stephen I, also known as King Saint Stephen, who was Hungary's first monarch. Completed in 1906 after decades of construction, it is topped by a towering dome. The interior design combines traditional and religious motifs with modern artistic techniques, creating a harmonious blend of old and new. Visitors can explore its chapels, admire the intricate stained glass or view a relic that is believed to be the mummified right hand of the king himself. For those seeking a panoramic view, the dome has an observation deck where visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the city's skyline, as shown in today's image.