Budapest - St Matthias Church (Mátyás templom), Hungary

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* St Matthias Church (Mátyás templom). The rococo spire of this church is one of the easily seen landmarks of the var.

o Originally the Buda German community's parish church, its official name is the "Church of the Blessed Virgin". The popular Hungarian king, Mátyás, held both of his weddings here, and so it is known as the Matthias Church. Today an eclectic mix of styles, the church was started in the thirteenth century. The main apse, which ends in a seven-sided polygon, is in French style and is the earliest extant section. The central section was built about 100 years later. During the Turkish occupation of Budapest, all the furnishings were removed and the painted walls whitewashed to cover art unacceptable to the Islamic eye. Once returned to the Catholic community, it was Baroquified, or covered with Baroque ornamentation that obscured the original style like many other Central European churches were, and the rose window was bricked up. In the last century, between 1873 and 1896, Frigyes Schulek began a major renovation and restoration of the Matthias Church.

o The interior is sumptuously decorated in a style which is on the one hand art deco and yet evokes the medieval predecessors of this structure. As you enter the church turn to the right and proceed down the right hand aisle to the front of the church. For a small fee you can visit the underground treasury which includes a replica of the Crown of St. Stephen -- the real crown (a 12th century object even though Stephen was a 10th century king) is on display in the parliament building – so if you want an idea of what it looks like up close, this is the place to do it. Also take a look at the opulent chapel at the rear of the church (around the corner to the left of the entrance. Be aware that this is a functioning church and you may find that at times it is closed to visitors for church activities or concerts.

o To the left of the neighboring Hilton Hotel is what looks like the wall of a medieval church with a monument set into it. In fact it is a copy of a monument located in Belsen, Germany (near Dresden). The copy was erected by the Hilton Company. It portrays King Mátyás (15th century), the most beloved of Hungarian Kings.

o In front of the Mátyás Templum is a tall column decorated with many statues – this is a “plague monument” erected by thankful survivors. If you turn away from the church and walk west to 7 Szentharomsag you will come to the Ruszwurm Cukraszda (in the middle of the block on your right) In my opinion this un-preposing building is one of the best pastry shops in Budapest.

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