Francesco

Beneath the soaring arches of the St. Francis of Assisi Parish Church, a story unfolds. This church, a symbol of inner Ferencváros, is better known as the church on Bakáts Square. It has witnessed two centuries of history, offering solace and spiritual guidance to the Catholic parishioners of Ferencváros. The church’s story began humbly in 1822. Franciscans started their service in a temporary church on land donated by János Fellner, a potter. Tragedy struck in 1838. The flood of Pest ravaged the church, necessitating its closure. The subsequent reconstruction saw the triumph of Miklós Ybl’s neo-Romanesque design over Imre Steindl’s neo-Gothic vision. Ybl, a renowned architect who later designed the Opera House and St. Stephen’s Basilica, lived nearby. The construction of St. Francis of Assisi Church received royal patronage. Queen Elizabeth contributed significantly, financially and with gifts. With combined support from the state and the capital, the church was consecrated in 1879. Prince-Primate János Simor led the consecration, his coat of arms adorning the main altar he funded. The dedication was a national celebration. It coincided with the royal couple’s 25th wedding anniversary, acknowledging Queen Elizabeth’s role in Austro-Hungarian reconciliation. This marked the first modern church in unified Budapest. Distinguished figures like Mihály Munkácsy and Ferenc Liszt joined the royal couple in witnessing this artistic marvel. The church endured the ravages of two world wars. Each time, the resilient community restored it. However, the Rákosit dictatorship later suppressed its civic and charitable activities. In 1956, Bakáts Square became a site of conflict, executions, and a temporary cemetery. The church’s story reflects the resilience of the community. Following the regime change, community life flourished, symbolized by the renovated parish building. Ybl’s neo-Romanesque design, positioned between the church of Fót and St. Stephen’s Basilica in his oeuvre, is distinctive. The sanctuary’s monumental, basilica-like elements contrast with the church’s overall puritanical appearance. The true beauty lies in the harmony and rich details within its stylistic purity. Ybl designed the furnishings himself. Carpenter Endre Thék and locksmith Gyula Jungfer executed his vision. Mór Than and Károly Lotz, prominent painters, adorned the church with murals depicting St. Francis’s life. Uniquely, these murals also feature a secular historical figure, János Hunyadi, in his Last Communion, a first for Hungary. The national-themed murals and former glass windows reflect the era’s cultural policy. Further artistic treasures await. Leó Fessler, from Vienna, sculpted the four evangelists on the pulpit and the relief of Christ above the main gate. Gyula Szász crafted the angels and St. Francis statue on the main gate. Among the 20th-century works, Béni Ferenczy’s intimate 1950 sculpture of St. Anthony in the northern aisle stands out. Hidden beneath the church lies a fascinating secret. An undercroft, built during the church’s construction, hosted holy masses from 1870. This 22-column catacomb, situated under the transept and sanctuary, continues to be a venue for liturgical and artistic events. St. Francis of Assisi Parish Church, a testament to faith, resilience, and artistic brilliance, welcomes you to explore its rich history.