The church of St. Stephen (also known as the St. Stephen Basilica) is no ordinary church. As Europe is littered with many churches, cathedrals and synagogues; the St. Stephen probably is the most interesting one. Important fact: The church is named after St. Stephen (duh!), who was the first king of Hungary.
The church, began its building work in 1851, was not completed within reasonable time. It changed hands a couple of times between several builder and architects. Finally, after more than 50 years, the work was completed.
What is remarkable about this church is not its paintings or its structure. The inside of the dome is made 100% with mosaic! No wonder they took some 50 years to get this done! Surely you would need someone who nips-pick on every detail, right?
But beat this - the church houses one of the greatest "asset" to all Hungarians. The Holy Hand of St. Stephen. (ta-dah!)
Here's the story (in my words):
- One day, when some government agents decided to dig Mr. Stephen's dead body out, they found his right hand still intact, ie limbs and flesh still there. Creep number one.
- Supposedly being good Catholics, they shouted - it's a miracle!
- And to double up their goodness, they decided to share his hand with their neighbours. Today, two other countries owns a part of his hand. Ukraine owns the lower arm. Vienna (Austria) the upper. Of course, Hungary gets the best part - the fist. Creep number two.
- Every year, on the 20th of August - Hungarians celebrate the feast of St Stephen. And it is only once a year, that his "hand" is brought out to the streets as a sacrament and indeed, a joyous occasion. They celebrate the healing miracle of this "hand" which first ruled their land. Creep number three!
- Which makes you wonder, what is this "healing miracle" all about? Many scientists believe that chemical evidence proved that indeed the hand was 'chemicalized' before burial. (Creeps solved!). But just don't tell that to staunch Hungarian Catholics!
Ok, got the story? Now, give me a five!
(ok, bad joke!)
We tied the knot in 2008 and thought that life could do with a bigger dash of spice and everything nice. So we decided to take this enormous leap of faith (after working our socks off and hours of research on travel) to finally reach here... 