Chapel of the Holy Right Hand

On this trip I have enjoyed visiting various churches and cathedrals.  However, my children have not shared that same enthusiasm.  So here in Budapest when I suggested we visit St. Istvan's (Stephen) Basilica I got blank stares, or eye rolling from children who would rather not go inside one more church.  But according to our guidebook, this church had something a little unusual on display, St. Stephan's 1000 year old right hand.  That proved enticing enough  to get three of the kids to visit the church with me.  

We learned a little about the history of Hungary and why St. Stephen is so important. He was the king that realized the need to form alliances with Christian countries and converted to Christianity in the year 1000.  Before that time the Hungarians spent their summers on raids terrorizing other parts of Europe and then staying in Hungary for the winters. 

The inside of the church was beautiful, but the kids were really looking for the right hand.  We found a sign that led to the chapel of the Holy Right Hand.  Inside the chapel we found a beautiful display with a case containing the hand.  It cost 200Ft (a little less than a $1) to light up the hand for two minutes.  So of course we had to see the hand in the light.  I really don't know what happened to the rest of St. Stephen, but a sign said his right hand was found intact.    

After viewing the Holy Right Hand, we climbed part way up the tower and then found an elevator to take to the top.  An elevator sure makes climbing church towers easy!

The Holy Right Hand

St Stephen's Basilica

Sam at the top

Display of the Holy Right Hand

Sam and Jenna inside the church

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