Krisztina D.
Google
🇬🇧 Esztergom – Hungary
Situated on the right bank of the Danube, directly along the Slovak border, Esztergom is a city where history speaks from every street, and the soul of Hungary feels almost tangible. It is one of the country’s oldest and most iconic cities — a symbol of statehood and of the nation’s spiritual heritage.
Archaeological findings show that the area of modern-day Esztergom has been inhabited since ancient times. Different peoples — Celts, Romans, Huns, Avars, and Germanic tribes — all left their mark here, adding their own layers to the landscape. During the Roman era, the settlement was known as Solva or Salvio Mansio. After the Hungarian conquest in the 10th–11th centuries, Esztergom became one of the key centers of the emerging Hungarian state: Prince Géza chose it as his seat of power, and his son Vajk (later King Stephen I, canonized Saint Stephen) was baptized and crowned here.
During the Árpád dynasty, Esztergom was not only a political and royal center but also the spiritual heart of Hungary — it was from here that much of the country’s ecclesiastical life was organized. For a long time, it also served as the royal capital, until the mid-13th century, when the court and administration gradually moved to Buda and other cities.
The city has witnessed wars and sieges as well: in 1543, Esztergom fell to the Ottoman Empire after a long siege. Many buildings and monuments were destroyed, yet even today the layers of history remain visible among the ruins and restored sites.
The Basilica — Hungary’s largest church — is the crown of Esztergom. Built in the 19th century in classical style, with its monumental dome, vast interior, and ornate decorations, it dominates both the skyline and the spirit of the city.
Behind the basilica rises Castle Hill, home to the remains of the ancient royal palace, fortifications, and the Castle Museum. The exhibitions here guide visitors through Esztergom’s story — from Roman times through the Middle Ages, the Ottoman period, and into modern history.
The Víziváros (“Watertown”) district by the Danube offers a true journey through time with its narrow streets, fort walls, traces of Turkish baths and mosques, and the imposing Primatial Palace / Christian Museum. The Christian Museum holds Hungary’s largest ecclesiastical art collection, featuring medieval altarpieces, sculptures, liturgical treasures, and artworks from across Europe.
The Bakócz Chapel, a rare Renaissance gem from the 16th century, was preserved and later integrated into the basilica itself. Baroque and classical churches, elegant stone houses, and ornate squares complete the city’s historical character.
Despite wars and transformations — from the Ottoman era to the world wars — Esztergom has always rebuilt itself and continued to thrive. After the Treaty of Trianon, it became a border town, losing territory but never its culture, sanctity, or symbolic strength.
As a guide, I see Esztergom not as a museum city, but as a living witness to Hungary’s struggles, faith, and artistry. For anyone seeking a deeper connection to Hungary’s roots — spiritually, architecturally, or emotionally — Esztergom is essential.
— Krisztina 🌊 Local Guide
