Cave Church

Overview

The Cave Church (Sziklatemplom) is a Pauline chapel carved into the natural thermal caves within Gellért Hill, facing the Danube. Built in 1926 after monks saw the Catholic grotto at Lourdes, the church was bricked up by the communist authorities in 1951 and its monks arrested. It was reopened only after the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989 and remains an active Pauline monastery today.

Highlights

• Rock-Hewn Nave: The main worship space is carved directly from the dolomite rock, with stained-glass windows set into the hillside.
• Polish Black Madonna: A copy of the Jasna Góra icon, reflecting the Pauline Order's Polish origins.
• Danube-Facing Entrance: The church entrance on the Gellért Hill cliff face offers dramatic river views.

History

Hermit monks inhabited Gellért Hill's caves as early as the Middle Ages. The modern chapel was consecrated in 1926 as a Pauline monastery. On Easter Monday 1951, the communist secret police (ÁVH) arrested the monks, sealed the cave with concrete, and erased state records of the church. It was reopened and re-consecrated on 27 August 1989.

Visitor Tips

• Combine with Gellért Hill and Citadella: The church is at the base of the hill, making it a natural first stop before climbing to the viewpoint.
• Modest dress required: This is an active place of worship.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes.