Mary Magdalene Tower

The tower of the Church of Mary Magdalene stands in Kapistrán Square in the Buda Castle District.

The church was built in 1247. In the 15th century, the church was enlarged and the tower seen today was built. When Buda came under Turkish rule, it was the only Catholic church in the castle, between 1541 and 1603 the church was used jointly by Catholics and Protestants. In 1603 the church was converted into a mosque. When the Buda Castle was recaptured in 1686, most of the church was completely destroyed.

The new church was built between 1717-1733 in Baroque style. In 1786 the church was closed and converted into an archive. Finally, in 1817, it was received by the Buda garrison for worship purposes.

The building was severely bombed in 1945, and most of the church was destroyed. The Mary Magdalene Tower was restored in 1950.

170 steps lead to the top of the tower, the view is well worth the effort.