A grand sanctuary rises before us. This is the Assisi Szent Ferenc-templom, a true testament to the enduring spirit of faith in Budapest. Assisi Szent Ferenc-templom dominates the Bakáts tér. It stands as the largest church in the district, a beacon of hope and resilience. The Assisi Szent Ferenc-templom’s history stretches back to the years following the Mongol invasion. The original church of Pesterzsébetfalva, later known as Szentfalva, was destroyed during the Turkish occupation. The ruins of another church, known as the “Pusztatemplom” (Ruined Church), stood on Boráros tér until the 18th century. The Franciscan order was entrusted with organizing a new parish in the area in 1822. The Franciscans held this responsibility until 1900, when the archdiocese took over.
The current Assisi Szent Ferenc-templom building wasn’t always here. A temporary church was erected in 1822, but the devastating flood of 1838 severely damaged it. The present church, designed by Miklós Ybl, was built between 1867 and 1879. Its eclectic style blends elements of French Romanesque architecture, giving it a distinct character. The church was consecrated on April 24, 1879, by János Simor. The Assisi Szent Ferenc-templom suffered damage during World War II. Architect László Gerő led its restoration after the war.
More recently, a government decree in November 2017 allocated one billion forints for renovations. The first phase, completed in 2019, saw the façade and church garden renewed. An urn cemetery was also created in the crypt. The second phase, focused on the interior, began in the autumn of 2019. Look closely at the triangular pediment. You’ll see Leó Feszler’s bas-relief of Christ. Above it stands Gyula Szász’s statue of Saint Francis. The octagonal spire of the bell tower reaches towards the sky. On either side, smaller towers stand guard. The side façades are divided into six bays. Each bay features a pilaster, and in the center, a columned entrance door welcomes worshippers.
The transept boasts a large triple window. The sanctuary features a semi-circular closure. Beneath the entire church lies a neo-Romanesque crypt. Supported by columns and shaped like a cross, it served as the church until the main building’s completion. Admire Alajos Stróbl’s statue of Saint Francis on the north side. Inside, frescoes by Mór Than and Károly Lotz adorn the sanctuary walls. You can also see a statue of Saint Anthony crafted by Béni Ferenczy. Three bells reside in the church tower.