Didn’t architect Kismarty-Lechner Jenő plan a grand neorenaissance church for Pasarét in 1926? However, that vision never materialized. Instead we stand before the Pasaréti Páduai Szent Antal templom és plébánia. It is a testament to modern architectural vision.
This church’s story began in the 1930s. The Országúti Franciscan Parish wanted to improve its pastoral care. They decided to build a church in the Pasarét villa district. The task fell to the young architect Gyula Rimanóczy. At just 28 years old, this was his first major independent project.
Remarkably, the Pasaréti Páduai Szent Antal templom és plébánia was privately funded. Neither the state nor the capital provided financial support. Rimanóczy created four different designs. Initially, he placed the bell tower on the right side, near the friary. The final design moved the tower to the left, closer to the sanctuary. This adhered to Franciscan traditions. Including the cross, the separate bell tower reaches 46 meters.
The plans for the Pasaréti Páduai Szent Antal templom faced criticism. The cornerstone blessing was even delayed. Gyula Petrovácz, a conservative architect, called Rimanóczy’s design “Soviet style.” However, the church is more akin to early Romanesque style.
The Franciscans chose a modern style and reinforced concrete structure for a practical reason. It was more affordable than a Gothic or Romanesque church. Serédi Jusztinián dedicated the Pasaréti Páduai Szent Antal templom on October 14, 1934. It became Budapest’s second modern-style church. The first was the Városmajori Jézus Szíve Church.
Rimanóczy also designed the Pasaréti tér bus terminal. This building opened in 1938. Officially, the square was named Pasaréti in 1940. An electric organ from the Chicago-based Hammond company was installed in 1949. The current organ was made in Hungary and completed by 2005.
The Pasaréti Páduai Szent Antal templom és plébánia has been renovated several times. In 2021, it was restored, and the Pasaréti Community House was built nearby. Today, the church continues to serve its community. Weekly masses are held. Various priests lead the services. Concerts and other events also take place here. The Pasaréti Páduai Szent Antal templom is more than just a building. It is a vibrant center of faith and community.