Aquincum Mithraeum

The Aquincum Mithraeum is a Roman temple in Óbuda that was built underground as a place of worship for the god Mithras. The building had a central nave with raised platforms on either side, along with stone altars and carved decorative details that visitors can examine today.

The temple was built in the 2nd century when Roman legions were stationed in this region and the cult of Mithras was spreading through the Roman military. The site shows evidence of continuous use and worship over several decades before the temple eventually fell into disuse.

The worship of Mithras appealed mainly to Roman soldiers and merchants who gathered here for private rituals and sacred meals. What visitors see today are the traces of these secret practices, which were closed to outsiders and conducted in a very structured way.

The temple is located within the Aquincum Museum complex and is easily reached by bus from central Budapest. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since the underground chambers have uneven surfaces and limited natural light, making a steady pace important for safe exploration.

The temple was strictly private and only selected members of the military could participate in the initiation ceremonies that took place here. Some accounts suggest that new initiates underwent demanding tests and trials to prove their worthiness before being fully accepted.