Dory on the G.
Google
We booked our tickets to visit The Church of Our Lady of Buda Castle (Matthias Church) online. The tickets are flexible with no fixed date, which is convenient. However, when we first went to visit, there was a wedding taking place, and the church was closed to visitors. We had to return the next day, so do keep that in mind if you’re buying tickets in advance — sometimes the church isn’t open to tourists due to private events.
I’d highly recommend purchasing tickets online, as there’s usually quite a long queue at the counter. We also bought the audio guide along with our tickets, but the experience was a bit disappointing. It’s not a physical device — instead, it’s accessed through an online website by scanning a QR code and using a passcode provided by the staff. Since we didn’t have earphones with us, it wasn’t easy to listen. Also, the audio guide markers were difficult to match with the actual spots inside. Given the church’s rich historical significance, it would be great if they improved the audio guide experience to make it more engaging and user-friendly.
The church itself is absolutely magnificent. The interiors are stunning — every wall is beautifully hand-painted, and the blue stained-glass windows are mesmerizing, each telling a unique story. There are side stairs that lead to the upper level, where you’ll find a area with different artifacts worth exploring.
We visited about 1.3 hours before closing in the evening, and it was a wonderful experience — quiet, peaceful, and with very few people around. We spent around an hour inside, taking our time to admire the stunning interiors. Highly recommend visiting during that time if you prefer a calm atmosphere.