The Church of the Assumption of the Buda Castle, (commonly known as Matthias Church) is located in Budapest, Hungary.

According to tradition, a church known as the Church of Mary was built on the site of the current building in 1015. The current Gothic-style building was constructed in 1470. The name of the present church is a nod to King Matthias Corvinus (1443 - 1490), who had (yet another) previous church extensively remodeled and restored at that time.

The Roman Catholic church has a unique history; from 1526-1686 the building served as a mosque for the Ottoman Turks. During the time they occupied the city, they destroyed many churches, but Matthias Church was left standing for their own use. Sadly, priceless artifacts were removed, furnishings were damaged, and altars and paintings were covered with whitewashed brick walls.

Today the church is again one of the most famous cathedrals in the city. Its colorful roof is covered with orange, red, green, white, and brown tiles in a diamond pattern, manufactured by Zsolnay. The tiles were added during a further restoration in the late 1800s. The estimated 149,500 tiles are durable, withstanding both hot and cold temperature extremes.

Inside the cathedral, visitors now find beautiful restored frescoes, stained glass windows, and sculptures of saints, in addition to one of Mary.

The church has been the site of many royal weddings and coronations, including that of Charles IV, the last Hapsburg king, in 1916.

More Info: en.m.wikipedia.org