圣诞市场，圣斯蒂芬大教堂，布达佩斯，匈牙利 Christmas market, St. Stephen's Basilica, Budapest, Hungary (© Calin Stan/Shutterstock)

圣诞市场，圣斯蒂芬大教堂，布达佩斯，匈牙利 Christmas market, St. Stephen's Basilica, Budapest, Hungary (© Calin Stan/Shutterstock)

圣斯蒂芬大教堂的降临节 Advent at the basilica

圣诞市场，圣斯蒂芬大教堂，布达佩斯，匈牙利

在圣诞节来临之际，圣斯蒂芬大教堂成为了布达佩斯标志性的圣诞集市的中心。在洋溢着节日气氛的集市上，匈牙利手工艺品、节日装饰和当地美食应有尽有，充分体现了传统圣诞节的精髓。作为在圣诞节前几周举行的活动，降临节盛宴也是匈牙利节日传统的一部分，届时会邀请游客们品尝烟囱蛋糕、白菜卷和炖牛肉汤等菜肴，而空气中也会弥漫着热红酒和烤栗子的香味。对许多人来说，大教堂外墙投射的3D灯光秀是一大亮点，现代感十足的灯光秀让这座历史悠久的建筑栩栩如生。

这座新古典主义风格的大教堂是为了纪念匈牙利第一位君主斯蒂芬一世（又称圣斯蒂芬国王）。经过数十年的建设，该教堂于1906年竣工，教堂顶部是一个高耸的圆顶。游客可以参观教堂，欣赏错综复杂的彩色玻璃，或瞻仰据说是国王本人木乃伊化的右手遗骸。穹顶上有一个观景台，游客可以在此俯瞰城市的全景，如今天的图片所示。

Christmas market, St. Stephen's Basilica, Budapest, Hungary

As the holiday season kicks off, St. Stephen's Basilica becomes the dazzling centerpiece of one of Budapest's iconic Christmas markets. The fair buzzes with holiday spirit, offering a mix of Hungarian craft, festive décor, and local delicacies, capturing the essence of a traditional Christmas. The Advent Feast—an event held in the weeks leading up to Christmas and part of Hungary's holiday traditions—invites guests to savor dishes like chimney cakes, stuffed cabbage, and goulash soup, while the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts fills the air. A highlight for many is the 3D light show projected onto the basilica's facade, a modern touch that brings this historic structure to life.

This neoclassical basilica honors Stephen I, also known as King Saint Stephen, who was Hungary's first monarch. Completed in 1906 after decades of construction, it is topped by a towering dome. Visitors can explore its chapels, admire the intricate stained glass, or view a relic that is believed to be the mummified right hand of the king himself. For those seeking a panoramic view, the dome has an observation deck where visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the city's skyline, as shown in today's image.