The train now speeds along over the Little Hungarian Plain and in the far distance we perceive the magnificent Cathedral of Esztergom. A steamer effects the communication with the town, which can also be reached directly, by train from Budapest. Esztergom is one of the most ancient cities of Hungary, and the seat of the archbishop (Primate of Hungary).

King Stephen the Holy founded the first archbishopric here, and the Hungarian Kings resided here until the Invasion of the Turks. In 1543, Esztergom fell into the hands of the latter, who destroyed the superb cathedral built by John Hunyadi in 1453; only the Bakocz Chapel, a Renaissance building in noblest style (built 1507), was preserved; in 1824, this was built into the new cathedral begun by the Primate Rudnay. The construction of this Cathedral (after plans of Kuhnels) lasted 34 years, and owes its origin to the generosity of four Archbishops.

It is an imposing building crowned by a superb dome, and with an immense Hall supported by Corinthian columns. According to its position and construction, it may be considered as one of the noblest Cathedrals in the world. The interior is decorated with a gigantic Altar-picture (33 meters high and 6.5 broad) by Grigoletti, and statues of the Cardinals Pazmany (by Delia Vedova) and Simor (by Alois Strobl), the marble altar (by Peter Bonani), and the superb grave-monument (by Canova) of the Archbishop Primate Ambrosius.

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Adapted from Illustrated Description of Hungary and its Capital