After a beautiful walk in the busy and lively streets of Budapest. That time its Holiday. We were expecting more people to visit the beautiful city.
Our second destination is the most iconic landmark of the city which is St. Stephen’s Basilica.
As we got closer to the Basilica I saw the beauty of it. The grand dome is majestic. And the blue sky is the perfect backdrop of the Basilica. Except for the people around the photos, hehehe. Lots of tourists that time. As we were getting closer and closer I noticed a long line of people. On the top of the dome was the city's most popular spot. That's where they were going. The panoramic views of the city. We didn’t go there because of the people. And we want to see other beautiful places in Budapest. And honestly our day trip is not enough. People patiently waiting for their turn to climb to the top of the dome. That time also is After Easter, its Monday and Holiday.
My husband suggested we go inside the Basilica. There are staff outside of the Basilica. Assisting tourists for questions and guiding where to go. One staff member told us the mass is in Hungarian. While me and Aya couldn't understand the language. And my husband knows the language. So they talk together in Hungarian. He said to me that 15 minutes will start the mass and no videos and photos inside. And don't forget to silence the mobile or much better turn it off. Then one staff member let us in.
Immediately we went inside. The moment we entered the entrance. There were signs everywhere. Silence, No photography, turn off the mobile or silence it. And caps should be removed.
When I stepped in, its a different experience, a different feeling. The place was so quiet and calm. It's a breathtaking and more stunning beautiful Basilica inside. It's a very high ceiling covered with paintings and golden decorations. There's a candle inside and I need to pay. Then I light the candle and pray. Aya is with my husband. Guiding Aya to be quiet. When I pray. I still hear Aya's voice. I heard her saying Wow, so beautiful. The quiet and peaceful place with Aya's voice makes a scene. And the man approached them to be quiet. It's a kid expression of how she was amazed by the beauty of the Basilica.
After I pray, we sit together on the right side back row and wait for the mass to start. When we sit together, I can't take my eyes off the ceiling. Every corner was filled with details from sculptures to the majestic grand altar. It's so quiet inside, I could hear the footsteps of other people. It's like echoing inside.
We sat on the right side, where the first King of Hungary's right hand St. Stephen’ was kept in a glass case. One special thing inside the Basilica. Is the Holy Right Hand. I secretly captured a photo of it. The place is Holy and full of history.
I know taking video is not allowed. But still I took a video. I want to share with my family and in the community. But then one of the staff noticed me. He pointed and approached me. He said, its now allowed. After what happened, he stayed at the back. Not only me who took videos and pictures. On the other side too. Then the staff do the same thing. They started to stay on the side to check on someone taking video and photos.
The mass began, even though we don't understand it with Aya. The solemnity of the ceremony I feel. Playing organ and singing the Hungarian language that's echoing inside the Basilica is good music to my ears. The beauty of the ceremony is really different. St. Stephen’s Basilica is the place for prayer. reflection and respect.
I will never forget this experience. From the beauty of the Basilica, quietness and history is an amazing experience for me. I will never forget it. How lucky I am that I visited the Basilica.
I will continue my blog post where our feet took us during our trip to Budapest. I hope you loved it too.
Hope you like my blog. Feel free to reblog and comment on my post. I appreciate it so much. Thank you so so much. Have a wonderful day everyone.
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