Perhaps you’ve noticed the unique design of the Krisztus Király templom. It stands as a testament to faith and artistic vision. Welcome to the Krisztus Király templom.
The Rózsadombi Krisztus Király templom is more than just a building. It is a story etched in stone and glass. The Krisztus Király templom began as a vision for the students and locals. It was meant to be a place of worship and community.
In 1903, Sebők Imre founded the Rákóczi-kollegium. The Budapesti Érseki Katolikus Gimnázium opened in 1907. They wanted a church from the start. It would serve students and locals alike. Supporters were sought by planning a “II. Rákóczi Ferenc memorial chapel”.
Fundraising faced setbacks. World War I halted progress. Funds raised were invested in war bonds. Collection resumed in 1919. They returned to the Rákóczi memorial chapel plan. Inflation again wiped out the collected sum.
Finally, in 1923, Pokorny Emánuel initiated the chapel-building committee. Árkay Aladár became the architect. He created the plans and oversaw work selflessly. They chose a site near the Rákóczi-kollegium. This allowed students easy access to the Krisztus Király templom.
Construction began in 1924. Szegő Árpád was the builder. Students helped with foundation work. By June 1925, the Krisztus Király templom’s exterior was ready. Interior work continued for another year.
The building cost was near 200,000 pengő. The Rákócziánum provided a large part. A women’s committee raised 33,000 pengő. The Vallásalap gave 13,000 pengő. Budapest offered 8,800 pengő.
In 1925, Pope Pius XI ordered the Feast of Christ the King. The Krisztus Király templom was dedicated to him. Csernoch János consecrated it on October 31, 1926.
Currently, the Krisztus Király templom belongs to the Országúti Szent István vértanú parish.
Inside Krisztus Király templom, above the sanctuary arch, is a mosaic. It depicts Christ the King. Nagy Sándor designed it. Angelo Gianese’s Venetian glass workshop created it. Two paintings flank the mosaic. Fraknói Vilmos commissioned them in 1907. Octavian Smigelschi painted frescoes on cement slabs. One shows Saint Stephen and Saint Emeric visiting the Benedictines. The other depicts II. Rákóczi Ferenc receiving a blessing. These images are visible only from the sanctuary.
The Krisztus Király templom has three naves. Above the side naves are galleries. Biblical symbols decorate the arches separating the naves. Painted coats of arms of lost Hungarian cities adorn the ceiling.
Szlezák László cast the bell in 1926. Angster built the organ in 1927. Leszkovszky György designed the 14 stained glass windows in 1928.
Originally, a corridor connected the Krisztus Király templom to the Rákóczi Kollégium. Students could attend mass without going outside. This was removed in 2005 during renovations.
As you leave the Krisztus Király templom, remember its story. It is a symbol of faith and community.