In the city of Esztergom in northern Hungary

 “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” -– St. Augustine

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(in northwestern Hungary) The town of Esztergom is a port on the Danube River, just 25 miles (40 km) from Budapest. It is found at the western end of the valley cut by the Danube between the Pilis and Börzsöny hills, which divides the Little Alfold (Little Hungarian Plain) from the Great Alfold (Great Hungarian Plain). Esztergom was the capital and royal residence of the early Árpád princes and kings and successive Hungarian kings until the mid-13th century. Stephen I was born in the town and crowned there in 1000. The archbishopric is the oldest in Hungary, dating from 1001. Esztergom’s fortress, last restored in the 18th century, is still largely intact atop Várhegy (Castle Hill). Its massive basilica, sitting high above the town and Danube River, is a marvelous sight, rising out of what seems like nowhere in a rural stretch of country. A beautiful town, packed with historic attractions, Esztergom makes a great day trip from Budapest and amply rewards those who linger longer. The great cathedral (built from 1822–60) is modeled on St. Peter’s in Rome, and is the largest church in Hungary -- the outside height of the cupola rising to 106 meters.