Budapest may be famous for its ruin bars and thermal baths, but did you know that it also has a secret church hidden inside a cave?
Budapest is crammed full of hidden gems for the adventurous traveller who knows where to look, and this quirky church is no exception. If you’re seeking unique things to do during your Budapest visit, Budapest’s cave church is not to be missed.
What is Budapest’s cave church?
Budapest’s hidden cave church is certainly one of the more unique places to visit while exploring the city. It used to be known as Saint Ivan’s Cave, after a hermit who lived here believing the thermal waters beside the cave to have healing powers. The cave was transformed into a chapel and monastery in the 1920s by a group of Pauline monks, before it was temporarily sealed during Soviet occupation, and the monastery’s elder was executed.
The cave reopened in the 1990s and ever since it has remained in use by the Pauline monks. The cave has many chambers with some stunning carvings and religious ornaments, as well as multiple hidden nooks for quiet reflection. All of the walls of the church are the natural rock of the cave, giving it its beautiful and unusual shape.
From the outside, at the foot of the hill, you’ll be able to see the incredible exterior of the monastery which has been carved into the rocks in the classic neo-Gothic style that you’ll often see around Budapest.
What to know before visiting Budapest’s cave church
Entry to Budapest’s cave church only costs 750 HUF, which is around £1.60 each. Tickets are purchased at the door. There is a modest dress code: you’ll be required to remove any hats or head coverings, and shawls are usually provided where your shoulders are not covered by your top. It’s open from Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 7.30pm, and closed on Sundays.
It’s a small attraction, so you won’t need long for a visit. You’ll be able to see the entire cave church in under an hour. An audio guide is available for purchase, however there’s also signs throughout with information about the church and its history, so you can still fully experience the church without a guide.
Where to find Budapest’s cave church?
Budapest’s cave church is nestled within Gellert Hill, on the west bank of the Danube. It’s a short climb up from Liberty Bridge, close to the Gellert thermal bath. See below for the exact pin:
The Gossamer Traveller 