Budapest to Esztergom

Esztergom is one of the oldest towns in Hungary located just one and half hour by train from Budapest.

More one-day trips from Budapest:

Szentendre
Medveotthon, the Bear Farm
Gödöllő
Vác

Esztergom
Today, Esztergom is most famous for its Basilica, the seat of the Catholic Church in Hungary.
Esztergom Basilica
The Esztergom Basilica is the tallest building and the largest church in Hungary.
Esztergom Basilica
The Esztergom Basilica was built between 1822 and 1869 on on the foundations of several earlier churches. The first of those earlier churches was built by King Istvan (St. Stephen), the first king of Hungary who was crowned in Esztergom.
Esztergom Basilica
Esztergom was the capital of Hungary from the 10th till the mid-13th century.
Esztergom
In Old Slavonic language Esztergom was called Strěgom (guard), as a place to control Danube valley. Some believe that its Hungarian name comes from that old Slavonic.
Esztergom
In its long history it's been changing hands and names many times, and was a home to Celts, Turks and Mongols.
Esztergom
Its population today is about 32000. The biggest employer in the town today is Magyar Suzuki Corporation.
Esztergom Bridge
After the Treaty of Trianon of 1920 Esztergom became a border town connected with the city of Štúrovo in Slovakia by the bridge.
Esztergom Bridge
Mária Valéria bridge named after Archduchess Marie Valerie of Austria was first opened in 1895, but destroyed in 1944 by German troops.
Esztergom Bridge
The bridge was rebuilt in 2001 with the support of the European Union.
Štúrovo, the main street
Slovakian Štúrovo is an industrial town of about 12000. Its biggest factory is pulpwood and paper works.
Esztergom Flood of 1838
Esztergom is also a spa town with a new thermal and wellness spa opened in 2005.
Esztergom
Today, Esztergom seems to be a quiet, provincial town. But one is constantly reminded of its rich history with many churches and grand buildings in the Castle district.
Esztergom
This casino knew better days.
Esztergom
A pub in Esztergom.
Esztergom
An afternoon in Esztergom.
Esztergom
Beware of the dog!
Esztergom
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around Budapest
By Sosna on 02 Mar 2011. Updated on 07 Oct 2012
The Budapest-Esztergom train

The town was never home to the Mongols. They sacked the royal city 800 years ago, but they never settled.

By Anonymous (not verified) on 22 Feb 2012