How does holy basil impact stress levels and mental health. What are the potential benefits of holy basil for physical health conditions. Can holy basil help regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Is holy basil effective for treating infections and promoting wound healing.

Understanding Holy Basil: Nature’s Adaptogenic Powerhouse

Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), also known as Ocimum sanctum L. or tulsi, is a revered herb in traditional Indian medicine. Native to Southeast Asia, this versatile plant has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of conditions. Unlike its culinary cousins, holy basil is prized for its medicinal properties and is often referred to as the “Queen of Herbs” due to its numerous health benefits.

Rich in vitamins A and C, calcium, zinc, iron, and chlorophyll, holy basil offers a potent nutritional profile. However, its true power lies in its adaptogenic properties, which help the body adapt to stress and promote overall balance.

The Versatility of Holy Basil

Different parts of the holy basil plant are used to address various health concerns:

• Fresh flowers for bronchitis
• Leaves and seeds, combined with black pepper, for malaria
• Whole plant for digestive issues like diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
• Pills and ointments for eczema
• Alcohol extract for stomach ulcers and eye diseases
• Essential oil from leaves for insect bites

This wide range of applications highlights the plant’s versatility in supporting both physical and mental well-being.

Holy Basil’s Impact on Stress and Mental Health

One of the most significant benefits of holy basil is its ability to combat stress and promote mental balance. As an adaptogen, it helps the body cope with various types of stress, including chemical, physical, infectious, and emotional stressors.

How does holy basil affect stress levels? Studies have shown that holy basil leaf extracts can enhance metabolism, improve endurance, reduce tissue damage, and lower stress levels in loud environments. These effects have been observed in both animal and human studies.

The Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine reports that holy basil possesses antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties comparable to diazepam and other antidepressant drugs. A study found that individuals who consumed 500 milligrams of holy basil extract daily experienced reduced anxiety, stress, and depression, along with improved social behavior.

Holy Basil as a Natural Mood Enhancer

Can holy basil improve mood and cognitive function? Research suggests that regular consumption of holy basil may help alleviate:

• Stress
• Sexual problems
• Sleep issues
• Forgetfulness
• Exhaustion

These benefits make holy basil a promising natural alternative for those seeking to improve their mental well-being without resorting to pharmaceutical interventions.

Harnessing the Antioxidant Power of Holy Basil

Beyond its stress-relieving properties, holy basil is a potent source of antioxidants, which play a crucial role in protecting the body against oxidative stress and cellular damage.

How do antioxidants in holy basil benefit the body? These compounds help neutralize harmful free radicals, which can contribute to various chronic diseases and accelerate the aging process. By incorporating holy basil into your diet or supplement regimen, you may be able to enhance your body’s natural detoxification processes and bolster its defense against environmental toxins.

Holy Basil and Cancer Prevention

Some studies suggest that holy basil may have potential anticancer properties. Research has shown that certain compounds in holy basil can inhibit the growth of cancerous cells. While more research is needed to fully understand its effects, these preliminary findings are promising for those interested in natural cancer prevention strategies.

Holy Basil’s Role in Infection Control and Wound Healing

One of the most intriguing aspects of holy basil is its potential to fight infections and promote wound healing. The plant possesses a combination of properties that make it effective in treating various types of infections and injuries.

What makes holy basil effective against infections? Holy basil exhibits:

• Antibacterial properties
• Antiviral effects
• Antifungal activity
• Anti-inflammatory action
• Analgesic (pain-relieving) qualities

These properties make holy basil a versatile natural remedy for a range of conditions, from minor cuts and scrapes to more serious infections.

Wound Healing Benefits of Holy Basil

How does holy basil promote wound healing? Extracts made from holy basil leaves have been shown to enhance wound healing in several ways:

1. Increasing wound breaking strength
2. Reducing healing time
3. Promoting wound contraction

These effects make holy basil a potentially valuable tool in post-surgical care and the treatment of various skin conditions. Research has demonstrated its efficacy in addressing:

• Mouth ulcers
• Keloids
• Raised scars
• Acne

Holy Basil’s Potential in Blood Sugar Management

For individuals with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, holy basil may offer additional benefits in managing blood sugar levels. All parts of the holy basil plant have shown potential in reducing blood glucose concentrations.

How does holy basil affect blood sugar levels? Animal and human studies have demonstrated that holy basil can have a positive impact on fasting blood sugar and post-meal glucose levels. This effect is believed to be due to its ability to enhance insulin sensitivity and improve the function of beta cells in the pancreas, which are responsible for producing insulin.

Holy Basil and Metabolic Syndrome

Beyond its effects on blood sugar, holy basil may also help address other components of metabolic syndrome, such as:

• High cholesterol levels
• Excess abdominal fat
• High blood pressure

By targeting multiple aspects of metabolic health, holy basil could prove to be a valuable natural supplement for those at risk of or managing metabolic syndrome.

Incorporating Holy Basil into Your Wellness Routine

With its wide-ranging benefits, many people are interested in adding holy basil to their daily health regimen. There are several ways to consume this versatile herb, each with its own advantages.

Holy Basil Tea: A Calming Daily Ritual

Ayurvedic practitioners often recommend drinking holy basil as a tea made from the leaves. This caffeine-free beverage can be enjoyed daily, providing a soothing ritual that promotes relaxation and well-being.

How can drinking holy basil tea benefit your daily routine? The act of preparing and sipping tea can be as calming as practicing yoga, fostering clear thoughts and a sense of tranquility. For those seeking a natural way to unwind and de-stress, incorporating a cup of holy basil tea into their daily routine may prove beneficial.

Holy Basil Supplements: Convenience and Consistency

For those who don’t enjoy the taste of holy basil or prefer a more convenient option, supplements in pill form or as alcohol extracts are available. These provide a consistent dose of holy basil’s active compounds and may be easier to incorporate into a busy lifestyle.

When choosing a holy basil supplement, it’s important to select a high-quality product from a reputable manufacturer. Look for supplements that use organic holy basil and are free from unnecessary additives or fillers.

Safety Considerations and Potential Interactions

While holy basil is generally considered safe for most people, it’s important to exercise caution and consult with a healthcare provider before adding it to your routine, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications.

Are there any potential side effects or interactions with holy basil? Some considerations include:

• Possible interactions with blood-thinning medications
• Potential effects on blood sugar levels in diabetics
• Possible impact on fertility (in very high doses)

As with any supplement, it’s crucial to follow recommended dosages and discontinue use if you experience any adverse effects.

Holy Basil During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should exercise particular caution when considering holy basil supplements. While traditional use suggests safety, there is limited scientific research on its effects during pregnancy and lactation. It’s best to consult with a healthcare provider before using holy basil in these situations.

The Future of Holy Basil Research

As interest in natural and holistic health solutions continues to grow, holy basil is likely to attract more scientific attention. Ongoing research is exploring its potential in various areas of health and wellness.

What areas of holy basil research show promise for the future? Some exciting avenues of investigation include:

• Its role in cognitive health and neuroprotection
• Potential applications in cancer prevention and treatment
• Use in managing autoimmune conditions
• Effects on longevity and healthy aging

As more studies are conducted, we may gain a deeper understanding of holy basil’s mechanisms of action and discover new applications for this versatile herb.

Integrating Traditional Wisdom with Modern Science

The growing body of research on holy basil represents a fascinating intersection of traditional herbal wisdom and modern scientific inquiry. By subjecting time-honored remedies to rigorous scientific scrutiny, researchers are uncovering the biochemical basis for many of holy basil’s reported benefits.

This integration of traditional knowledge and contemporary research may pave the way for more effective and holistic approaches to health and wellness, bridging the gap between conventional medicine and natural therapies.

In conclusion, holy basil offers a wide array of potential health benefits, from stress reduction and mental health support to blood sugar management and infection control. As research continues to uncover its mechanisms of action and potential applications, this ancient herb may play an increasingly important role in modern approaches to health and wellness. Whether consumed as a soothing tea or taken as a supplement, holy basil presents an intriguing option for those seeking natural ways to support their physical and mental well-being.

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Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) isn’t like the sweet basil in your mom’s marinara sauce or the Thai herb you use to flavor a steaming bowl of pho.

This green leafy plant, also known as Ocimum sanctum L. and tulsi, is native to Southeast Asia. It has a history within Indian medicine as a treatment for many conditions, from eye diseases to ringworms.

From the leaves to the seed, holy basil is considered a tonic for the body, mind, and spirit. Different parts of the plant are recommended for treating different conditions:

• Use its fresh flowers for bronchitis.
• Use the leaves and seeds, with black pepper, for malaria.
• Use the whole plant for diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
• Use the pill and ointment form for eczema.
• Use an alcohol extract for stomach ulcers and eye diseases.
• Use an essential oil made from the leaves for insect bites.

Many studies support the use of the entire plant of holy basil for human use and its therapeutic value. The nutritional value is also high, as it contains:

• vitamin A and C
• calcium
• zinc
• iron
• chlorophyll

Always talk to your doctor before taking supplements. Like many supplements, holy basil is not approved as a first-line treatment. It may also interact with medications you’re already taking.

Read on to learn why holy basil is called the “Queen of Herbs.”

All parts of the holy basil plant act as an adaptogen. An adaptogen is a natural substance that helps your body adapt to stress and promotes mental balance.

The concept of an adaptogen is a holistic approach. But scientific research shows that holy basil has pharmacological properties to help your mind cope with many types of stress.

The source of your stress can be:

• chemical
• physical
• infectious
• emotional

In the case of physical stress, holy basil is known to increase endurance in animals. Animals who had holy basil leaf extracts and went through environment-induced stress scenarios showed:

• enhanced metabolism
• improved swimming time
• less tissue damage
• lower stress levels in loud environments

Human and animal studies saw reduced:

• stress
• sexual problems
• sleep problems
• forgetfulness
• exhaustion

According to the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, holy basil has antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties comparable to diazepam and antidepressant drugs. These studies examined the leaves.

One study found that people who took 500 milligrams (mg) of holy basil extract each day felt less anxious, stressed, and depressed. People also felt more social.

Ayurvedic practitioners recommend drinking holy basil as tea using the leaves. And since it’s caffeine-free, it’s OK and even recommended to drink daily. The act of drinking tea can be ritualistic and as calming as yoga. It fosters clear thoughts, relaxation, and a sense of well-being.

But if the basil’s bitter and spicy flavor isn’t your cup of tea, a supplement in pill form or as an alcohol extract is available. There’s less risk of contamination when taking an herb in its natural form.

Summary

Holy basil has been shown to have antidepressant and antianxiety properties similar to antidepressant drugs. Studies have shown that it can help people feel more social and less anxious.

Holy basil is also high in antioxidants and helps your body detox. Studies show that holy basil can protect your body against toxic chemicals. It may also prevent cancer by reducing the growth of cancerous cells.

Protect against infection and treat wounds

Extracts made from its leaves are thought to boost wound healing speed and strength. Holy basil is:

• antibacterial
• antiviral
• antifungal
• anti-inflammatory
• analgesic (a painkiller)

Some people even use holy basil after surgery to heal and protect their wounds. Holy basil increases your wound’s breaking strength, healing time, and contraction. Breaking strength refers to how much pressure or weight a wound can take before it breaks.

Research shows that holy basil may work against infections and wounds, such as:

• mouth ulcers
• keloids
• raised scars
• acne

Lower your blood sugar

If you have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, all parts of the holy basil plant can help reduce your blood sugar. Animal and human studies have shown that holy basil can help prevent symptoms of diabetes such as:

• weight gain
• hyperinsulinemia, or excess insulin in the blood
• high cholesterol
• insulin resistance
• hypertension

In the early animal study cited, rats that received holy basil extract saw a 26.4 percent decrease in blood sugar after 30 days. Blood sugar in rats that were fed holy basil leaf powder also decreased after a month.

Talk to your doctor before adding holy basil to your diet. If you’re already taking medications to control blood sugar, it may lower your blood sugar levels even more.

Lower your cholesterol

Since holy basil targets metabolic stress, it can also help with weight loss and cholesterol levels.

Animal studies saw significant changes in rabbits’ fat molecules when they ate fresh holy basil leaves. They had lower “bad” cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol) and higher “good” cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol).

One animal study found that the oil in holy basil (eugenol) lowers stress-induced cholesterol levels. There was a reduction of total cholesterol in the kidney, liver, or heart in rats with and without diabetes after they ate holy basil leaf powder.

Ease inflammation and joint pain

Imagine being able to tackle stress, anxiety, and inflammation with a relaxing cup of tea made with the leaves of holy basil.

As an adaptogen with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, holy basil provides all of these benefits. It can even help people with arthritis or fibromyalgia.

Protect your stomach

Holy basil can counteract the effects of stress-induced ulcers. It naturally increases your stomach’s defense by:

• decreasing stomach acid
• increasing mucus secretion
• increasing mucus cells
• extending life of mucus cells

Many drugs for peptic ulcers have side effects and can cause discomfort in some people. Holy basil may be a preferred alternative. One animal study showed that 200 mg of holy basil extract reduced both the number and index of ulcers significantly in two-thirds of the animals.

Summary

Holy basil has been shown to boost your body’s health in a variety of ways. It can help protect against infection, lower your blood sugar, lower your cholesterol, ease joint pain, and protect your stomach.

Supplements of holy basil extract are available in pill or capsule form. The suggested dosage ranges from 300 mg to 2,000 mg per day for general preventive purposes.

When used as a treatment, the recommended dosage is 600 mg to 1,800 mg taken in multiple doses throughout the day. All parts of the plant might be used in supplements and topical ointments.

Essential oil of holy basil is distilled from leaves and flowers of the plant.

You can also make holy basil tea using the leaves, flowers, or dried leaf powder. The herb can also be used to make freshly brewed tea by placing 2–3 teaspoons of holy basil in a cup of boiling water and letting it steep for 5–6 minutes.

The leaves are also commonly used in cooking, though some people eat the leaves raw. Holy basil tastes spicy and bitter.

Summary

There are many ways to incorporate holy basil into your daily life. You can cook with it, take it in supplement form, or make a tea with it. Holy basil is also available as an essential oil.

Always make sure to speak with your doctor before incorporating holy basil or any other supplement into your diet.

There’s not enough research to recommend use for infants, children, and pregnant or breastfeeding women. The FDA doesn’t monitor the processing, quality, purity, and effectiveness of herbs or supplements.

Buy holy basil that’s grown organically by a reputable source in a rural, unpolluted environment. Holy basil grown in a polluted area may contain twice the toxicity.

No negative side effects have been reported during human clinical trials. However, you should avoid holy basil if you’re lactating, pregnant, or trying to conceive.

Summary

Negative side effects haven’t been reported in human trials, but it’s recommended that you speak to your doctor before incorporating holy basil into your diet. Try to buy it from a reputable source when possible.

Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is a plant that is native to India. It is commonly used in the traditional Indian medicine system, Ayurveda.

Holy basil is sometimes called “hot basil” because of its peppery taste. Chemicals in holy basil are thought to decrease pain and swelling. They also might lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. Holy basil oil might act as an antioxidant.

People use holy basil for anxiety, stress, diabetes, high cholesterol, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of these uses.

Don’t confuse holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) with basil (Ocimum basilicum), which is very commonly used in cooking.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for HOLY BASIL overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Holy basil is possibly safe when used short-term. Holy basil leaf extract has been safely used at a dose of 500 mg daily for 60-90 days. Taking holy basil might cause nausea or diarrhea. There isn’t enough reliable information available to know if it is safe to use long-term.

When applied to the skin: Holy basil is possibly safe when used as a mouthwash, short-term.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Holy basil is possibly safe when used short-term. Holy basil leaf extract has been safely used at a dose of 500 mg daily for 60-90 days. Taking holy basil might cause nausea or diarrhea. There isn’t enough reliable information available to know if it is safe to use long-term.

When applied to the skin: Holy basil is possibly safe when used as a mouthwash, short-term. Pregnancy: Holy basil is possibly unsafe when taken during pregnancy or when trying to become pregnant. In animals, large doses of holy basil seem to reduce the chance of getting pregnant or having a full-length pregnancy. It is not known if this happens in humans. Stay on the safe side and avoid using.

Breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if holy basil is safe to use during breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Hypothyroidism: People with hypothyroidism have low levels of the thyroid hormone called thyroxine. Holy basil might lower thyroxine levels. In theory, this could worsen hypothyroidism.

Surgery: Holy basil might slow blood clotting, so there is a concern that it could increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using holy basil at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

• Holy basil might slow blood clotting. Taking holy basil along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

• Pentobarbital causes drowsiness. There is some concern that taking holy basil seed oil with pentobarbital might cause too much drowsiness. But there isn’t enough information to know if this is a big concern.

• Holy basil might lower blood sugar levels. Taking holy basil along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Dosing

Holy basil has most often been used by adults in doses of 500 mg daily, for 1.5-3 months. A 4% holy basil leaf extract mouthwash has also been used twice daily for 30 days. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose or product might be best for a specific condition.

View References

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

description, address, time and opening hours 2023

Traveling through the streets of Istanbul, you probably managed to appreciate the sophistication and beauty of the city’s palaces, mosques and temples. But in the city center you will find one very unusual attraction. This is the Basilica Cistern, which is an ancient reservoir dating back to the 4th century. Today, within the walls of the ancient reservoir, there is a museum where you can stroll through the underground halls and feel the greatness of Byzantine culture.

Location

Alemdar Mh., Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34410 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Opening hours

Monday to Sunday from 9:00 to 19:00. The box office is open until 18:30.

Historical facts

The construction of the underground reservoir lasted more than 200 years. It began under Emperor Constantine the First in 306 and ended in 532 during the reign of Emperor Justinian. Until the 16th century, the Cistern was used for its intended purpose. After the capture of Constantinople by the Turks, the reserves of the reservoir went to water the gardens of the Topkapi Palace, which is located near the Basilica. After that, for some time, until 1553, the Cistern was polluted and abandoned.

For the first time, the sight was remembered after the French traveler Pierre Gilles wrote about it. Interestingly, he learned about the existence of the reservoir from the habit of local residents to fish in wells and basement openings. Over time, the Cistern was found under the foundation of a private house, and the Turkish government began its restoration. Already in 1987, the territory of the Basilica was opened to visitors in the form of a museum exhibition.

The word “cistern” in Greek means reservoir. Locals often refer to the Basilica as “Yerebatan Saray”. If you literally translate this phrase into Turkish, you get the “Underground Palace”. This name fully corresponds to the interior decoration of the Cistern, decorated with columns and sculptural compositions.

Description

From the appearance of a rather modest building, it is difficult to imagine what treasure is hidden inside. Outside, the Cistern is quite small and does not differ in the beauty of architecture. The reservoir itself is located at a depth of 11 meters. Its halls occupy an area of ​​145 × 65 meters. Particularly impressive is the ceiling height, reaching 8 meters. It is supported by 336 columns arranged in 12 rows. The thickness of each of them is approximately 4 meters. All columns are made of refractory bricks coated with waterproofing mortar. To protect the room from flooding, its ceiling is additionally paved with burnt tiles.

An architectural feature of the Basilica is that almost every column has a unique design and size. Some of them are decorated with stucco and decorative elements. For example, two columns with the head of the Gorgon Medusa are considered the most valuable. Interestingly, on the one hand, she turned her head down, and on the other, she looks to the side. Presumably, this idea is connected with the fact that the visitors of the tank would not be afraid to turn to stone when looking at the famous mythical character.

The water level in the tank today is minimal, no more than half a meter. In some locations, for example, in the “Pool of Desires”, there are fish that everyone can feed.

Don’t forget that the attraction is underground. Therefore, the air temperature here is much lower. Before entering the Basilica, it will not be superfluous to put on a warm jacket or scarf.

Tour of the Basilica Cistern

As soon as you enter the reservoir, you will be able to fully immerse yourself in the times of the Ottoman Empire. To do this, there are costumes of sultans, who will offer to try on and take a photo for 10 lira. Nearby is a souvenir shop where you can not only buy a memorable gift, but also take an audio guide in Russian on bail.

Then you will go down the stairs and see how in subdued light the columns of the underground palace rise in a row. For the convenience of visitors, wooden bridges have been built here, along which you can go to different parts of the reservoir. At first glance, they resemble a real labyrinth, but the network of bridges is built in such a way that it is impossible to get lost in them. Walking along any passage, you will in any case return to the entrance to the Cistern.

Be careful when traveling on narrow bridges. Due to the fact that water drips from the stream, sometimes puddles appear on the floor, in which it is easy to slip.

One of the favorite places in the Basilica is the Column of Tears. Local residents are sure that it fulfills the most cherished desires. You can recognize this column by ornate patterns. And in order for the desired to be realized, it is necessary to insert a finger into one of the patterns and turn it 360 degrees. Near the “Column of Tears” you can find another attraction of the Basilica. This is the Wishing Pool. To make your intention come true, it is worth throwing a coin at it.

When leaving the Cistern, you will find a cafe and several souvenir shops. In the establishment you can order a cup of aromatic coffee. But be prepared that the prices here are very high.

Interesting facts

• The columns decorating the space of the underground palace are different in style and thickness due to the fact that they were brought here from different countries and palaces. Most of the columns are made in the Corinthian and Dorian styles.
• On the territory of the Basilica many times filming took place. For example, you can see familiar columns in an episode of the James Bond film From Russia with Love and in the 2009 film The International. Also, the locations of the Basilica were used as a film set for the Odyssey TV series, the work of the Russian director Konchalovsky.
• It will be especially interesting to walk through the expanses of the reservoir for fans of Dan Brown’s novel “Inferno”. It was in this book that the Basilica became the main place for the development of events.
• The name of the Cistern comes from the fact that during the time of Constantinople there was a basilica in this place, which was the public center of the city. Next to it was a colonnade, a square and a city school where religious figures of both faiths taught: Christian and pagan.
• One of the advantages of the underground palace is its excellent acoustics. Therefore, musical concerts are regularly held here. Mostly famous classical compositions can be heard in the Cistern.
• The basilica is recognized as one of the most valuable sights in Istanbul. At one time, many political figures visited the reservoir: Bill Clinton, Wim Kok, Lamberto Dini, Thomas Klestil.

Opening hours and entrance fee

You can look at the ancient columns of the Cistern from Monday to Sunday from 9:00 to 19:00. The cashier’s schedule is slightly different, it is open until 18:30.

Ticket prices depend on the category of visitor. The entrance fee for an adult visitor is 10 Turkish lira, for children from 10 years old and students it will cost 7 lira. Children under 10 accompanied by adults are admitted free of charge. Please note that tickets can only be paid in Turkish Lira. Dollars, euros, and bank cards are not accepted for payment.

Another important point is to choose the right time for the tour. We recommend visiting the Basilica in the morning or in the evening. During the day and on weekends, you can encounter a large number of tourists here. And because of the narrow aisles and the lack of fresh air, crowds can significantly ruin your walk.

You can see the opening hours, photo of the Cistern, its location on the map, as well as arrange a virtual tour of the reservoir on the official website.

Location and directions

The Basilica Cistern is located at: Yerebatan Cad. 13, Alemdar Mh., Eminonu. It is in the center of Istanbul, at the intersection of two avenues: Alemadar Caddesi and Yerebatan Caddesi. The most convenient way to get here is by light rail. You need to drive to the Sultanahmet stop and follow the signs to the avenue on foot. The best option would be to combine a visit to the reservoir with a sightseeing tour of Istanbul with an English-speaking guide.

In general, you can get to the Basilica on your own by any public transport that runs in the direction of the Sultanahmet area. For example, if you are coming from Taksim, then bus number T4 or tram number TR1 will do.

St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest

St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest is a visiting card of the city along with the building of the Hungarian Parliament and the Buda Royal Palace. Nowadays, it is not only a magnificent Catholic church, but also a place for concerts, as well as a cool observation deck. In the article I will tell you about the extraordinary history of the church, show how it looks today, and also tell you what you need to know before visiting it. There will be many photos and a map in Russian.

Contents

1. The history of the construction of the temple
2. Dimensions and decoration of the basilica
3. Basilica – three in one
4. Concert venue
5. Viewpoint playground
6. Tips for visiting the basilica
7. Useful information for visiting the basilica

History construction of the temple

St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest was erected in 1905. Not in a year or two. And not even ten years. The construction of the temple lasted 54 years. During this time, three architects were in charge of the construction.

The first of them, Jozsef Hild, made mistakes in the design of the cathedral. As a result, the dome of the almost completed basilica collapsed. The architect did not find out about his mistakes, since he died shortly before.

What the basilica could have been like, how it looked after the Second World War and what does the cake have to do with it if you book a sightseeing tour of Budapest with me.

The second architect – Miklós Ybl – showed miracles of ingenuity, and the new dome successfully fit into the design of the cathedral. But he also died without seeing the end of construction. Work according to the drawings of Ybl was continued by Jozsef Kauser.

The cathedral was named after the first king and founder of Hungary, Istvan I or Saint Stephen. Emperor of Austria-Hungary Franz Joseph I was personally present at the consecration of the basilica building in 1905.

On the Internet, the second name of the temple is found – St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest. This is an English-language variation, Hungarians do not use it. If you score Saint Stefan in Yandex, the search engine will give out information about a completely different saint. Therefore, it is easier to call the temple as well as Venry – the Basilica of St. Stephen.

During the Second World War, the cathedral was heavily damaged. However, the country’s authorities were only able to undertake its large-scale restoration in 1983. The work lasted almost 20 years. During the restoration work, the basilica was visited by Pope John Paul II. This happened in 1991.

At the same time, it was decided to make an observation deck out of the terrace framing the dome of the basilica. Anyone can climb it. To do this, the builders installed two elevators in the walls of the temple.

Size and decoration of the basilica

St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest is impressive in size.

• Building area — 4.7 thousand square meters meters.
• Height – 96 meters.

In all of Hungary, only two religious buildings surpass it in size. These are the Basilica in Esztergom and the Basilica of Eger. I talk about Esztergom in more detail in the article about Esztergom.

The internal halls of St. Stephen’s Basilica can accommodate more than 8,000 worshipers at the same time.

The 22-meter dome is flanked by two towers symmetrically. On one of them you can see and hear the largest bell in Hungary. It weighs about nine tons. In total, there are four bells in the basilica.

The interior decoration of St Stephen’s Basilica is magnificent: stained-glass windows, marble and gilding everywhere, original mosaic patterns and paintings from the life of saints.

In the center near the altar there is a sculpture of Saint Stephen. Also in the temple are kept the relics of the saint – the right hand of the first Hungarian king. This is the holy place of the Hungarian people. The casket is installed on the right side of the main hall. To illuminate it, you need to toss a coin.

Once a year, on St. Stephen’s Day (August 20), the casket with relics is taken out into the open to be accompanied by a procession.

Basilica – three in one

St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest is not only a church with rich decorations and solemn Sunday masses. This is a place for concerts and one of the best viewing platforms in the city.

1. Temple.
2. Concert venue.
3. Observation deck.

Concert venue

The acoustics in the cathedral are excellent, so many tourists attend evening organ concerts, which are held here almost every day during the high season. Tickets come in several categories, depending on the distance and on the performers. Tickets are bought on the spot or online in advance.

See prices

The concert program can be found directly in the basilica or on the website of the church. In addition, in the most touristic places, promoters often distribute programs with concert announcements for the coming days and months.

Observation deck

First you need to buy a ticket at the ticket office located on the right side of the entrance (if you are facing the basilica). At the top you will find a stunning panorama of Budapest. Pictures taken on the observation deck will say better than words.

Viewpoints of Budapest . Allegedly, a special employee sitting at the door asks for a mandatory donation of one euro or 300 forints.

Yes, there is such a box at the entrance. Often a man sits next to him, who oversees the process of “sacrifice”. I believe that a donation is a purely voluntary thing, but if nothing is left, the caretaker can insist on it. Solution: Throw 20 forints or any other small coin into the box.

Before going inside, admire the temple from afar. Step away not 10 meters, but further away. For example, walk to the intersection of Nádor and Zrínyi streets, which leads to the temple.

Above the main entrance to St Stephen’s Basilica there is an inscription in Latin Ego sum via veritas et vita. It translates as “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” The central doors of the temple are usually closed and you need to enter through the right entrance. Here, as I already wrote, there is a ticket office for buying tickets to the viewing terrace.

The first time the basilica made a slightly gloomy impression on me. Then I read that some experts even criticize the building for insufficient interior lighting, but the eyes quickly get used to the twilight.

Before Christmas, a large Christmas tree is set up on the square in front of the Basilica, next to which a Christmas market takes place.

Official website: bazilika.biz (there is a version in English).

Address: Szent István tér 1.

Basilica opening hours: daily 09:00-19:00 (Sunday from 07:45).

Opening hours of the observation deck

• November – March – from 10:00 to 16:30.
• April, May and October – from 10:00 to 17:30.
• June – September – from 10:00 to 18:30

Blog reader Victoria said that every Sunday morning there is a service, during which the choir sings. Here is her response:

On Sundays in the Basilica of St. István is having a service accompanied by an amazing choir. The service starts on Sunday at 10 am, but it is better to arrive 10-15 minutes earlier to take seating. Ends at 11. This is a Latin mass, it takes place only on Sundays.

Entrance fee to the observation deck

• HUF 1,500.
• Students, pensioners, holders of the Budapest Card – HUF 1,000.
• Children under 7 years old — free of charge.

There is a ticket for 2,000 forints, which, in addition to the viewing area, includes a visit to the museum at the basilica. There is nothing remarkable in it.

How to get to the Basilica: it is located on the square of the same name in the center of the Hungarian capital. Its inspection can be combined with a walk along another attraction of the capital – Andrássy Avenue.

🚌 Bus – No. 9 – stop Szent István Bazilika and No. 105 – stop Deák Ferenc tér M.

🚇 Metro – yellow line M1 – stop Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út, blue line M3 – stop Arany J anos utca, M1, M2 and M3 – stop Deák Ferenc tér.

St. Stephen’s Basilica on the map

You can get directions from your location to the basilica. I recommend allocating at least an hour to visit the St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest. The time is indicated taking into account the ascent to the observation deck.

Which temples did you visit that made the biggest impression on you? Write in the comments.