Hear the chimes. The University Church of St Mary the Virgin. Its story whispers from these very stones.
This isn’t just any church in Budapest. It’s the Egyetemi Kisboldogasszony-templom a place steeped in history. It stands where a mosque once stood. The Paulist Order a unique Hungarian monastic order built it. They arrived in Pest after Buda’s liberation in 1686. They acquired the former mosque and some neighboring houses. The church’s design reflects their history and spirituality.
Construction of their priory began between 1715 and 1742. The cornerstone for the current church was laid in 1723. Likely the architect was Andreas Mayerhoffer a hugely talented figure in Hungarian church and secular Baroque architecture. However external work including the gate and the two towers and internal fittings like pews pulpits stained glass and frescoes were only completed in 1770.
The Paulists were suppressed in 1786. The church then became property of the University of Pest. Its imposing twin towers rise 56 meters each. They are visible in the oldest surviving photograph of Pest taken around 1844.
Tragedy struck on April 1 1927. The church’s dome collapsed. Bishop Ottokar Prohászka of Székesfehérvár commemorated the event. A mass is held each April 1 in his memory. The church underwent significant renovation in 1961. More recently a government decree in 2017 allocated 1.5 billion forints for its restoration. Work began in May 2019. It included complete exterior renewal improvements to lighting and heating. Also the restoration of several paintings.
The Egyetemi Kisboldogasszony-templom’s facade is divided into three sections. The Paulist coat of arms is at the apex of the triangular pediment. Sculptures of Saint Paul the Hermit and Saint Anthony the Hermit flank the towers.
Step inside. An intricately carved door leads to a harmonious single-nave interior. Marble adorns the walls. The vault ceilings display magnificent Baroque frescoes by the internationally renowned Johann Bergl. The altar depicts the Nativity of Mary a dynamic sculptural ensemble by Antal Lipót Conti. Its fresco shows Mary’s Assumption into Heaven. More sculptures of Saint Anthony and Saint Paul stand within the sacristy. These are by József Hebenstreiter. The beautifully carved wooden pews feature unique inlaid panels depicting different scenes.
The Egyetemi Kisboldogasszony-templom. A place of faith. A testament to perseverance and beauty. Its history rings out with every chime. A treasure in the heart of Budapest.