10 interesting facts about Matthias Church
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Matthias Church has been the venue of historical events for centuries. It was the building where the crowned kings showed themselves to the population of the capital. It was also the church where deceased monarchs were laid out, and the living ones swore their oaths.
Though people living in Budapest might walk by the magnificent monument, we tend to know only a little about one of the capital’s most brilliant jewel. Magyarorszagom.hu collected ten facts about Nagyboldogasszony Church that most people are not aware of.
- The origin of the name
Naturally, the church was named after King Matthias as he was the most generous supporter of the construction. The southern tower — which is 80 meters tall — also bears his name, because he ordered its restoration and marking it with his symbol, the raven. Matthias was married twice, both ceremonies being held here: one of the gates preserves the memory of the second one with Beatrice of Naples.
- The oldest church in Budapest
Its construction began in 1255 during the reign of Béla IV, who was rebuilding the country after the Mongolian raids of 1241-1242. That is the reason why one of the towers bears his name. You can read more about the construction here.
- It is the coronation church of Hungary
Multiple monarchs were crowned in this building, including Charles Robert, Austrian-Hungarian emperor Franz Joseph I and the last king of Hungary, Charles IV. The church also used to preserve the symbols and banners of past military campaigns.
- The Nagyboldogasszony Church
The first Christian ruler of Hungary, Saint Stephen I offered the country for Virgin Mary, so she became the patron of Hungarians. A statue of Mary wearing the replica of the Sacred Crown stands at the main altar.
