“Schoditsch Lajos and Eberling B\u00e9la” ring any bells? Probably not but they designed this villa in 1912. This Jugend style villa houses the Blahai k\u00e1polna, J\u00e9zus Sz\u00edve-k\u00e1polna. It stands in an impressive garden at the corner of T\u00e1rogat\u00f3 \u00fat and Szerb Antal utca.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine Budapest in the early 20th century. The city is buzzing with new ideas. Art Nouveau architecture is all the rage. This villa perfectly captures that spirit.
In 1917, \u00f6zv.T\u00f6m\u00f6ry K\u00e1rolyn\u00e9 bought the villa. Then came the twist of fate. The communist regime shut down the Assisi Szent Ferenc Le\u00e1nyai convent in 1950. These nuns operated on T\u00e1rogat\u00f3 \u00fat. The nuns needed a place to continue their work. They offered the ground floor rooms for a chapel. In 1959, the chapel was separated from the living quarters.
The Blahai k\u00e1polna, J\u00e9zus Sz\u00edve-k\u00e1polna, has undergone several transformations. In the late seventies it resembled a grand reception room. But since then it has changed.
A major renovation in 1999 linked the chapel to the garden terrace. An impressive glass altarpiece now encloses the interior space. Br\u00e1da Tibor designed the leaded glass altarpiece. He is a Munk\u00e1csy prize-winning artist. Mohai Attila executed the design. Blanckenstein Mikl\u00f3s dedicated it on October 11 1999. He was a bishopric representative.
Sz\u00f6ll\u0151sy Enik\u0151 created the crucifix. Fire-enameled plates adorn the tabernacle and altar. The Blahai k\u00e1polna, J\u00e9zus Sz\u00edve-k\u00e1polna can hold about 120 people.
The chapel’s story reflects Budapest’s complex past. From Art Nouveau elegance to communist oppression. Then came rebirth through art and faith. The Blahai k\u00e1polna, J\u00e9zus Sz\u00edve-k\u00e1polna stands as a testament to resilience. It shows faith and artistic vision.