Matthias Church

Overview

Matthias Church is a 13th-century church on Castle Hill, its colourful Zsolnay ceramic roof tiles and neo-Gothic interior making it Budapest's most visually striking church. It was the coronation church of Hungarian kings.

Highlights

• Zsolnay tile roof: Diamond-patterned ceramic tiles in vivid colours.
• Frescoed interior: Every wall and ceiling surface is decorated with geometric and figurative frescoes.
• Coronation history: Liszt's Coronation Mass premiered here for Franz Joseph I's 1867 coronation.

History

Founded in 1015, rebuilt in the 14th century by King Matthias Corvinus, converted to a mosque under the Ottomans (1541–1686), and restored in neo-Gothic style by Frigyes Schulek (1873–1896).

Visitor Tips

• Entry fee: HUF 2,000; includes the gallery and crypt.
• Organ concerts: Regular evening concerts—check schedule.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.