St. Stephen’s Basilica

By:

Joseph Thang

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Joseph Thang

<i>Home Institution</i>: University of Texas, Dallas <i>Expected Graduation Year</i>: 2025 <i>Academic Major / Minor</i>: Information Technology Systems <i>Destination</i>: Vienna, Austria <i>"Hello" in your host country's language</i>: Hallo <i>Demographics</i>: Asian/Asian American, U.S. Immigrant, First-Generation College Student, Community College Student <i>Future Career Goals</i>: My future career goals are to work in tech companies after graduation and maybe continue my master depending on my job situation. <i>Top Three Study Abroad Goals</i>: Learn how to ski; Learn some German; Make some life-long friendship

I visited St. Stephen’s Basilica during my weekend trip to Budapest, Hungary. The basilica is dedicated to St. Stephen, the first king of Hungary, who was canonized in 1083. Construction of the basilica began in 1851 and was completed in 1905 after several interruptions due to financial difficulties and political turmoil. Jรณzsef Hild designed the original plans, but after his death, Miklรณs Ybl took over and made significant changes to the design. The basilica is a stunning example of neoclassical architecture, with a grand dome reaching 96 meters (315 feet). The interior is decorated with beautiful frescoes, stained glass windows, and mosaics, all created by some of Hungary’s most renowned artists.

The architecture inside the basilica was a phenomenon and beautiful from the ceiling to the wall. The basilica signified how faith was and is still part of the Hungarian people’s center life and culture.