Saint Stephen's Basilica

It took more than 5 decades and 3 architects to build Budapest's Basilica. Several misfortunate events delayed the works.

József Hild made the designs in 1845 but because of the 1848/49 Revolution and War of Independence works started only in 1851. After the death of Hild, Miklós Ybl, designer of the Opera House took over overseeing the construction.

In 1868 the dome collapsed, luckily nobody died. Ybl drew up new plans and building started again almost from scratch. He couldn't see his work completed, since he died in 1891.

József Krauser finished St Stephen's Basilica in 1906. According to the rumour, at the consecration mass Emperor Francis Joseph kept looking upwards afraid of another collapse of the dome.