Peering up at the towering structure, one can’t help but wonder about the stories held within these neo-Gothic walls. This is the Fasori Evangélikus Templom. It stands as one of Budapest’s most ornate Protestant churches. Only the Deák Téri Lutheran Temple is larger.
Let’s delve into the history of this impressive building. At the end of the 19th century, the Lutherans of Pest decided to build a new grammar school. They chose Városligeti fasor. It was surrounded by villas with gardens. In 1903, they purchased the land. A competition was announced that same year. It was for designing a building complex. It would house a grammar school and a church.
Eight entries were submitted. However the judging committee deemed none of them suitable for implementation. Eventually Samu Pecz was commissioned. He created the final plans. Construction began in the summer of 1903. The grammar school was completed by December 1904. The Fasori Evangélikus Templom was finished by 1905. The church was consecrated on October 8, 1905.
The Fasori Evangélikus Templom was Budapest’s first Lutheran church. Services were held exclusively in Hungarian. The church’s tower rises 55 meters high. Three bells reside within. The largest weighs 710 kilograms. The middle one weighs 270 kilograms. The smallest weighs 150 kilograms.
During the siege of Budapest, the stained-glass windows painted by Miksa Róth were destroyed. The tower clock was also damaged. Complete interior renovation occurred in 1973-74. Exterior renovation took place in 1996. The stained-glass windows were replaced by Miklós Kiss between 1997 and 2002.
Above the main entrance you can see a mosaic. It is likely from Miksa Róth’s studio. It depicts “Christ and the Children”. There is also a five-meter diameter rose window. A protected heritage organ stands on the other side. The two naves are separated by monumental columns. Plant motifs adorn the walls. These are patterned pillars and thin columns. Gyula Benczúr painted the altar painting in 1913. Its theme is “The Adoration of the Magi before the Infant Jesus”. Behind the altar, a three-paneled stained-glass window spans 21 square meters. It portrays Christ and the four evangelists.
The two-manual organ was made by the Angster company of Pécs in 1906. It was expanded to 21 registers in 1989.
The Fasori Evangélikus Templom stands as a testament to faith and artistry. Its walls have witnessed war and peace. They have seen renovation and restoration. As you leave this sacred space consider the layers of history. Think about the community that has gathered here for over a century.