EsztergomHungary's most sacred city Esztergom is located 46km (28 miles) north-west of Budapest. Travel by train from Nyugati pu. or cruiseboat/jetfoil from vigadó tér (boat 1 April – 23 September, jetfoil 26 May – 3 September only).
It's not surprising that Esztergom is regarded as Hungary's most sacred city. For it was here that St. István, Hungary's first Christian king was crowned on Christmas Day 1000 AD. The city remained the royal seat for almost 300 years until it was almost completely destroyed during the Mongol invasion. Having also suffered under Turkish occupation, the city was gradually rebuilt during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Today, it's the huge catholic Cathedral that dominates views both from the Danube and the rest of the city. Commissioned by Archbishop Sándor Rudnay in 1820 and built over a period of 40 years, this vast domed building incorporates the beautiful red marbled Bakócz chapel (built in the 16th century by Florentine craftsman) and a Treasury (northern side) which holds ecclesiastical treasures rescued from the original 12th-century church which shared the same site.
