The construction of the Church of Our Lady began in early Gothic style at the time of King Béla IV (1255-1269). The north tower dates from that time. The south gate, known as Mary's Gate, was built by King Lajos the Great in the 15th century; it is here that visitors today enter the church.

The church was further enlarged by King Zsigmond and later by King Matthias, who held both his weddings here. The 60 metre-high south tower was built under King Matthias; completed in 1470, it bears the King's raven coat of arms and it is from this period that the popular name of Matthias Church originates.

The church was turned into a mosque during the period of Turkish rule and, after the recapture of the Buda Castle, was then reconstructed in Baroque style. The building was renovated once again in 1895-1903, this time in neo-Gothic style using the designs of Frigyes Schulek (1841-1919).

The frescos and interior decoration date from this era and are the creations of the greatest artists of the time; Károly Lotz (1833-1904), Bertalan Székely (1833-1904), and Mihály Zichy (1825-1906).

King Béla III (reigned 1173-1196) and his wife, Anna of Antiochia, were laid to rest in a richly decorated sarcophagus in the church's Holy Trinity Chapel.

The Matthias Chalice is the most valued relic among the various medieval liturgical objects displayed in the church. Also on display here is the 17th-century Black Madonna carved from ebony; it is an exact copy of the famous sculpture in Loretto.

The church treasury and crypt are open to visitors. The church regularly hosts concerts."

Source: hungarystartshere.com

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Photo: Magócsi Márton [origo]