Main altar

In the imposing sanctuary, beneath the canopy of the main altar and surrounded by a colonnade, stands a statue of the Basilica's eponymous saint. Carved in Carrara marble he holds the double cross and the orb, symbols of apostolic and royal power. At the top of the canopy there is a statue of the Archangel Gabriel, holding the Holy Crown sent by Pope Sylvester II to our Apostolic King at the turn of the first millennium. The back wall of the sanctuary is decorated with a series of bronze reliefs by Ede Mayer depicting scenes from the life of the Holy King. They are the following: St. Stephen defeats Koppány, Abbot Astrik arrives from Rome with the Holy Crown, the foundation of Pannonhalma, and finally, St. Stephen hands over his Admonitions to Prince St. Imre. Behind the altar is the apotheosis (exaltation) of the Holy Crown with the coat of arms of Hungary and the Capital. Above it is the Latin invocation, which reads: “King Stephen, intercede for us before the immortal King of the centuries”. On the half-dome of the sanctuary, designed by Gyula Benczúr, are allegorical representations of the parts of the Holy Mass: Kyrie Eleison, Christe eleison; Gloria in excelsis Deo; O salutaris Hostia; Dona nobis pacem; Benedicamus Domino Alleluia. Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison; Gloria in excelsis Deo; O salutaris Hostia; Dona nobis pacem; Benedicamus Domino Alleluja.