Esztergom: Hungary's 'Sacred' City Photo Gallery by Helen Betts at pbase.com

Esztergom: Hungary's 'Sacred' City

Esztergom was where St. István, the first king of Hungary, was crowned, on Christmas Day in the year 1000. Leveled by the Mongol invasion 250 years later, it was rebuilt in the 18th-19th centuries. It is still the seat of the archbishop of Hungary and is dominated by its enormous basilica. Among its features are a 10th century royal castle that subsequently housed the archbishops until it was sacked by the Ottomans, the charming Viziváros (Watertown) district on the Danube, a restored mosque, an old town with many interesting buildings and a re-purposed synagogue.

NOTE: THIS IS A GALLERY IN PROGRESS

Esztergom Basilica	Royal palace (10th century)	Christian Museum	Viziváros, plague statue
A street in Viziváros	Viziváros, partially restored minaret	Restored mosque (17th century)	Restored mosque
:: Hungary's Great Basilica at Esztergom ::	Viziváros Parish Church (1728), Christian Museum	Old seminary	10th century Royal Palace in sun
Royal Palace and Castle Museum	Replica of portal long since gone	Inside the royal palace, original pillar	Baptism of Szent István
Gravestone, 1st century	Old throne	Sword from the Ottoman occupation	Royal Palace and Castle Museum, blending new with old
Repurposed synagogue	Synagogue	And then there was (sun)light!	Wooden steeple
St. Anne's Church (Round Church)	Széchenyi Tér buildings	Széchenyi Tér, Justice building	Széchenyi Tér, bank building
Széchenyi Tér, elegant doors	Széchenyi Tér, Post Office	A run-down City Hall	City Hall, a most unusual balcony
Imposing door	Mansion	Intricate design	Cherubic guardian
Genial watchman	1767	Corner house	Shadowy street
Christian Museum, altarpiece (15th century)	Lord's Coffin of Garamszentbenedek (1480)	Lord's Coffin of Garamszentbenedek, detail (1480)	Christian Museum, altarpiece (15th century)
Christian Museum (15th century)	Christian Museum (15th century)	Christian Museum (15th century)	Christian Museum (15th century)
Christian Museum (15th century)	Christian Museum (15th century)	Christian Museum (15th century)	Christian Museum (15th century)
Christian Museum: stove (1570), Salzburg	Stove (1570), creation of Eve	Stove (1570), coat of arms, Samson	Stove (1570), Tobias, Archangel Raphael
Christian Museum, tapestry	'St. Stephen and his Works' (1998-2000)	Viziváros Parish Church (1728), Christian Museum	When I said the basilica was enormous...

Karen Moen		01-Aug-2016 06:01
You do such a great job of capturing architectural details and teaching us the history of the areas you visit. I stll think National Geographic would love to publish your work!! Voted.

Denise J T Lee		24-Nov-2012 22:08
A piece of gem. Very nice presentation of an ancient city ! ~V~

Stephanie		18-Apr-2012 22:48
This is a beautiful gallery Helen! Esztergom is certainly steeped in history! You've done a wonderful job with the photography and descriptions! VVV

William Barletta		18-Apr-2012 15:21
A superb tour of what looks to be a most interesting place to visit ~V~

Tom LeRoy		18-Apr-2012 12:43
A gallery full of historic architecture and richly decorated interior images! An excellent presentation!V!

Kim		15-Apr-2012 21:28
Excellent and interesting architecture work! V

Kinga Chwalkowska Zadlak		14-Apr-2012 10:00
A great presentation! - Thank you... ~V~

Michael Tauber		12-Apr-2012 17:40
Great series.

Zoltán Balogh		12-Apr-2012 10:38
I have been to Esztergom only once Helen, but now I am thinking of returning soon!:) Very nice photos, inviting gallery! V

click on thumbnails for full image