St Stephen's Basilica Budapest Night BW

I'd like to say that I had a film crew with me to wet down the pavement in front of St Stephen's Basilica to give it that glistening look, but the... more

by Joan Carroll

Title

St Stephen's Basilica Budapest Night BW

Artist

Joan Carroll

Medium

Photograph - Digital Art

Description

I'd like to say that I had a film crew with me to wet down the pavement in front of St Stephen's Basilica to give it that glistening look, but the truth is, it was raining on this night in Budapest! But I was determined to take a night photo of St Stephen's on this trip! The rain kept the crowds away, so there was one advantage. According to one website, St Stephen's Basilica was #10 on the top 10 most photographed places in the world! Over the main portal is a bust of King Stephen, Hungary's first Christian king and patron saint of the basilica. St. Stephen's Basilica is the largest church in Budapest and can hold up to 8,500 people. Although in architectural terms it's a cathedral, it was given the title of 'basilica minor' by Pope Pius XI in 1931. It took more than 50 years to build the Basilica. Building commenced in 1851, and the inauguration ceremony took place in 1906 and was attended by Emperor Franz Joseph. During its construction, in 1868 the dome collapsed and rebuilding it had to start almost from scratch. Originally designed in neo-classical style, the Basilica was finished in neo-renaissance style. The dome is 96 meters high, the exact same height as the Budapest Parliament Building. In fact current building regulations stipulate that no other structure in Budapest can be taller than 96 meters. Having the same height as the Parliament also symbolizes the balance between church and state in Hungary. Inside the church is a reliquary with the "Holy Right" (Szent Jobb), the preserved right hand of King Stephen. In nicer weather, there are numerous open-air cafes lining the square where people can enjoy a coffee, pastry, gelato, or pizza.

FEATURED PHOTO, Night In Art group, 6/5/16

FEATURED PHOTO, Night in art group, 4/14/16

FEATURED PHOTO, Black and White Photography group, 1/5/16

FEATURED PHOTO, Five Star Artist group, 3/11/15

FEATURED PHOTO, Black and White Photography group, 3/2/15

Uploaded

March 2nd, 2015