The Baroque cathedral

Probably designed by Andreas Mayerhoffer, this Baroque cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of Our Lady was built between 1735 and 1754 on medieval foundations. The earthly remains of St Pius are kept here.
A memorial note and relics of saints were placed in the golden globe sited on the top of the tower during the rebuilding of the roof structure.

The main entrance between the two enormous towers is framed by Ionic columns holding the arched balcony. The relief of Mary, patron saint of Hungary (Patrona Hungariae) can be seen above in the tympanum surrounded by the heralds of the three archbishops in office during the construction. There is a statue of Mary between the apostles Peter and Paul on the bridge linking the towers.

Jenő Bory's relief of Astrik was placed on the south side of the tower. The first archbishop of the diocese was Abbot Astrik, who brought the Holy Crown to Hungary from Rome. The 18th-century tomb of Martinus Ravesu can be seen in the wall of the sanctuary corridor.
Those who enter will be amazed by the gold, pink and white colours radiating in the interior. The elongated sanctuary has retained its Romanesque form, but the high main nave with its arched vaulting creates the feel of Baroque churches.

The high altarpiece was painted by Leopold Kupelwieser in 1857. Depicting the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the picture caused a small sensation at the World Fair in Paris. Under the altar of Our Lady of Sorrows lie the earthly remains of the martyr St Pius in a coffin ornamented with gold. It was brought from the catacombs of Rome on 11th July 1741 by Gabriel Patachich.
The gilt pulpit was carved from wood with the nearly life-size statues of the four Evangelists. The gem of the cathedral is the huge organ with its characteristic French sound; it was built by Joseph Angster between 1876 and 1877. Franz Liszt played on it several times on his visits to Kalocsa.