Esztergom

Esztergom is a historic city in northern Hungary, situated on the right bank of the Danube in Komárom-Esztergom County. Located at the Danube’s bend near the Slovak border, it has long been a political and religious center and is today known for its architectural landmarks and cultural heritage. The city is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Esztergom-Budapest and has been associated with the primacy of the Hungarian church since the founding of the Christian kingdom.

Historically, Esztergom traces its importance to the early medieval period. It grew as a political and ecclesiastical center, with the archbishopric established around the turn of the first millennium. The fortress and royal residence guarded approaches to the interior of the kingdom, and the city played a key role during various phases of Hungarian state formation. It endured through periods of conflict, including Ottoman domination, before being reestablished as a religious and cultural hub in the early modern era.

The city’s principal landmark is the Esztergom Basilica, formally the Primatial Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary Assumed into Heaven and Saint Adalbert, which is one of Hungary’s largest churches. The Esztergom Castle complex, the Christian Museum with medieval and Renaissance liturgical art, and the riverfront historic buildings contribute to the city’s architectural and cultural appeal.

Today, Esztergom attracts visitors with its historical atmosphere, religious heritage, and views of the Danube. Its economy relies on tourism, services, and local industry, while its cross-border location near Slovakia positions it as a point of cross-cultural exchange. The Mária Valéria Bridge connects Esztergom with Štúrovo on the Slovak bank, enhancing transport and commerce across the Danube.