Most people visiting Hungary think Budapest is the historic center of the country but Hungary was actually born in Esztergom
To catch the train from Budapest to Esztergom, depart from the Budapest Nyugati Pályaudvar station, which has frequent trains that take about an hour to arrive. Tickets cost around US$3.25 one way. From the Esztergom train station, you can easily walk to the castle or take a bus to go to the city center. Confirm train schedules before starting out.
Of course Budapest is the modern heart of Hungary but don’t pass up a visit to historic Esztergom. Located in northwestern Hungary it was the original capital of a unified Hungary and sits on the Danube River on the border with Slovakia.
Esztergom is one of the most important cities in Hungary featuring a number of significant historic buildings. It is the site of the largest church in Hungary, Esztergom Basilica, that sits on Castle Hill, with its 72 meter high central dome being seen for many miles around. The building of the present neoclassical church was begun in 1822 on the site of the original 12th-century Christian church dedicated to Saint Stephen I.
Next to the Basilica is Esztergom Castle, one of the most important surviving examples of Renaissance architecture in Hungary. It was the home of regional ruling Cardinal who died in the Battle of Mohács in 1526. By 1530, King Habsburg Ferdinand I took up residence in the castle. The unification of the country of Hungary is credited to Stephen I, also known as King Saint Stephen of Esztergom, who became the first King of Hungary around 1000 AD, who ruled until his death in 1038. Some of his major accomplishments during his reign included:
- Establishing Christianity as the official religion of Hungary
- Building a strong central government and creating a system of counties to govern the country
- Promoted education and founded a number of schools and monasteries
- Encouraged trade and commerce, and established diplomatic relations with other European kingdoms
- Expanded Hungary’s borders through military campaigns and securing its position as a major power in Central Europe.]
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