Esztergom: Danube landing, basilica, and Castle Hill

Esztergom lies on the Hungarian bank of the Danube, opposite Štúrovo in Slovakia. MAHART Pontoon 2 is at the northern end of Prímás Island on the main river; the city center lies east of the Kis-Duna. River cruises reach the town via the Danube cruise. Farther south along the Danube is Budapest; the port directory by country lists more cruise destinations.

MAHART Pontoon 2 on Prímás Island

During the season, several river cruise ships dock at Pontoon 2 every day. Prímás Island lies between the broad main river to the west and the narrower Kis-Duna to the east.

Promenade and historic city districts

The Little Danube Promenade runs north to south through the Royal Quarter. It follows the Kis-Duna and connects the historic city around Széchenyi tér with the Water Town, the basilica, and Castle Hill. The Tourinform office is at Széchenyi tér 21. The square lies southeast of Castle Hill; the basilica and Castle Hill are north-northeast of the cruise landing. In 1239, King Béla IV authorized the founding of the Water Town below Castle Hill. The Jesuit college and St. Ignatius Church there were built in the 18th century; the church was consecrated in 1738. From 1820 to 1856, the Water Town Church served as the archbishop’s cathedral.

Basilica and Castle Hill

Castle Hill was already a religious center in the Middle Ages; seven churches from that period are known. St. Adalbert’s Cathedral stood around 1010 near the site of today’s basilica. The present-day Neoclassical basilica was built from 1822 to 1869 under four prince-archbishops, to designs by Pál Kühnel, János Packh, and József Hild. The Renaissance Bakócz Chapel was dismantled into 1,600 pieces in 1823, moved, and incorporated into the new cathedral. In the 10th century, Prince Géza chose the site as his residence; walls dating from the time of Saint Stephen survive in the later palace complex. King Béla III laid the foundations of the palace still known today. The Castle Museum also displays archaeological layers and the palace chapel, with traces of Gothic features.

Railway and bus stations at Bem tér

Esztergom railway station, the bus station, and ticket counters are located at Bem tér 2. The railway station is south of Széchenyi tér. The new bus station opened right next to the railway station in 2020.