Zádor Anna: Neoclassical Pest - Our Budapest (Budapest, 1993)
Bazilika minds one of the first plan of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome; this connection is further emphasized by the cupola high above the nave, providing the entire district with a majestic dominating architectural feature. The facade is accentuated by an imposing peristyle at the entrance between the two side towers. How far we have moved from the serene purism of the churches in Deák tér and Kálvin tér! What is essential here is not the stylistic difference, but the change in taste, which was definitely directed towards refined modelling. It is well-known, that the Basilica was not built according to its original plan. Perhaps, the aging master did not pay enough attention to the static on the ground: the pillars supporting the cupola collapsed. Following Hild’s death in 1867 Miklós Ybl (1814-1891) took over the responsibility of directing the construction. By highlighting the Cinquecento elements, and applying the rich stock of ornaments of historicism, he succeeded in making the plan even more solemn. However, he did not live to see the completion of the building either. This task was left to József Kauser (1848-1919). The church 13
