3 Best Sights in Esztergom, Hungary

This immense basilica, the largest in the country, is the seat of the cardinal primate of Hungary. Completed in 1856 on the site of a medieval cathedral, the famous anti-communist cleric Cardinal József Mindszenty was finally reburied in the basilica crypt in 1991 (he was originally interred in Austria), ending decades of religious intolerance by the communists. The basilica's most wondrous feature is the Bakócz Chapel (1506), named for a primate of Hungary who only narrowly missed becoming pope. On your left as you enter, the chapel is the most beautiful work of Renaissance architecture in all of Hungary; note its red marble and magnificent carvings. Other highlights to look for are the sacristy, which contains a valuable collection of medieval ecclesiastical art; the vast crypt, where the cathedral's builders and its key priests are buried; the treasury, containing a trove of precious ecclesiastical objects; and, for a great view of Esztergom, after a steep climb up a long, winding staircase, the observation platform in the cathedral's cupola. The bell tower is also open to the public. Each section requires an entrance fee, so your best bet is to purchase the combination ticket.

Considered by many to be Hungary's finest art gallery, the Christian Museum, located in the Primate's Palace, displays the country's greatest collection of medieval Hungarian religious art as well as Dutch, German, and Italian master paintings (the 14th- and 15th-century Italian collection is unusually large for a museum outside of Italy). The museum's showstopper is the intricately carved 15th-century Holy Sepulchre of Garamszentbenedek, depicting the twelve Apostles clustered around Christ's tomb, which was wheeled through the town during Easter processions.

On the right bank of the Danube, under the royal castle and the St. Adalbert Primatial Basilica, is the colorful baroque quarter of Víziváros, whose two-towered church dominates the vista. Charming town houses and winding streets make it a delightful place to stroll.