Refuge – Haiku 2025 #ThursdayDoors

Posted bySuzette BenjaminPosted inPoetryTags:, ,
St. Stephen Basilica, Budapest, Hungary. Licensed Image credit: © Kewuwu | Dreamstime

anchored among bells

solid ground by living waters

a refuge in storms

*

Built on high ground and therefore a place of refuge around the Danube River in Budapest, Hungary, Saint Stephen Basilica was originally funded by grateful Budapest citizens who had sought refuge on the land where the basilica is now built during a major flood in 1838.

In thanksgiving, citizens donated money for the expansion of the then small chapel into the building of the larger church seen today (constructed from 1851-1906).

The featured door’s staggering height is surmounted by artist/sculptor Mór Than’s mosaic in the tympanum illustrating Christ enthroned. (An image is below).

Main Entrance, Saint Stephen Basilica, Budapest Hungary. Licenced Image credit: © Tomas1111 | Dreamstime

Above the door, in Latin are the words of Christ from the scriptures: “Ego Sum Via, Veritas et Vita” or, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

The featured wooden doors’ panels are appointed with medallions illustrating the Twelve Apostles.

Trivia #1. Unlike some large church buildings, where the bell tower is an adjunct to the largesse of the facade —at Saint Stephen Basilica, Budapest, the two bell towers anchor the building.

In total, the two bell towers anchoring Saint Stephen’s Basilica— have four bells affectionately named: Great St. Stephen (the largest church bell in Hungary) which chimes the hour daily, St. Henry II, Blessed Gizella, Saint Emeric, and the smallest bell named Saint Erzsébet (Elizabeth).

Trivia #2: Arguably the sport of soccer (football)’s first legendary superstar Hungary’s Ferenc Puskás (1950s-1960s), who played first for Hungary and later in his career went on to renown with Real Madrid, is buried at Saint Stephen’s Basilica.

Fun fact: At the other edge of the square from Saint Stephen’s Basilica, the ice cream cone at ‘Gelarto Rosa’ is in the shape of a rose with petals in various flavors (if one so chooses)— reportedly, it is the most famous ice cream in Hungary.

Aerial view, St. Stephen Basilica, Budapest, Hungary (at sunset’s golden-hour). Licensed Image credit: © Zoltan Gabor | Dreamstime

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Published by Suzette Benjamin

Positive thinker, inspirational, writer, faith

53 thoughts on “Refuge – Haiku 2025 #ThursdayDoors”

  3. Great poem and a wonderful post, Suzette. I really love the history of building a church out of gratitude. Of course, I’m thinking of having ice cream for breakfast 😉

    Liked by 1 person

  6. I’m absolutely in awe of today’s glimpse of the Cathedral door—Thursday’s offering is truly majestic. The main entrance, adorned with intricate mosaic work, is breathtaking. What fascinates me most are the medallions of the twelve apostles affirming their creed, surrounding Christ enthroned above, with the inscription: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

    It’s humbling to think of the refugees who first set out to build this beautiful chapel, now gracefully anchored between two towering bell towers. And how incredible that a soccer hero is buried on the grounds of St. Stephen’s Basilica by the Danube River.

    I’m always moved by how the sculpting of the doors and the architecture itself bring thought, faith, feeling, and history to life. What a powerful and beautiful presentation of the façade.

    Thank you for bringing Saint Stephen’s Basilica to us today, with your haiku striking the right notes.
    And someday—I must find myself the famous Gelarto Rosa ice cream!

    Wishing you a blessed Thursday.

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    1. I absolutely agree with your reflection that so much deep thought (and faith) is placed in the creation of the doors for these great cathedrals and churches weaving together the doors two halves/valves as illustrated:  “thought, faith, feeling, and history.” Well said.

      I am glad you enjoyed the presentation. This as you can imagine is a grand church with lots of history and a great presence in its city.

      Happy Thursday in fruitful bliss and joy in whatever the day brings, and peace to you.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. An absolutely wonderful Thursday offering, Poet.
        There’s something very special about living with history, faith, tradition, and art embodied in the form of a cathedral—always standing to remind us where we come from. I deeply enjoyed reading this presentation. A cathedral along the Danube—how beautiful.
        Thank you so much, Poet. Wishing you a wonderful Thursday as well.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Yes, well said, those cathedral have weathered much and still stand strong anchored and great reminder of how far we too have come. Amen.
        You are most welcome. Thank you for your best wishes the day’s runes and glyphs. Cheers.

        Liked by 1 person

  8. What a magnificent Basilica, Suzette! It’s door is awesome. Trivia #1 and fun facts are really interesting and your haiku sums up well. Well done, my friend!

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  10. Pingback: Refuge – Haiku 2025 #ThursdayDoors – Suzette B’s Blog | Ned Hamson's Second Line View of the News

  11. Love your use of anchors, relating both tp the design and in the refuge from the flooding. Very clever. The wooden door itself is also very beautifully with the carvings. Maggie

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  13. Another majestic building. Thanks for including the aerial view–so many beautiful details and yet they all work together to form a coherent whole. I love the pale colors next to the depth of the door too. (K)

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    1. Glad you enjoyed the aerial photo, it does give a bit more of the scale of the building and its grandeur. And you are right, they thought of the contrasts in the door and door frame what a great and thoughtful design. Thanks Kerfe. Have a great weekend!

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  19. I like how your haiku fittingly captures the story of resilience behind this basilica! And I like all of the classical details in the basilica’s architecture, something we don’t always see in European cathedrals and churches. The main entrance door is stunning in that way.

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