“One of Budapest’s most richly gilded churches stands before us. It is the Belv\u00e1rosi Szent Anna-pl\u00e9b\u00e1niatemplom. The church replaced a medieval hospital. Later, during Turkish rule, it became a mosque.
Let’s delve into the story of this place. The Sz\u0171z M\u00e1ria neve pl\u00e9b\u00e1niatemplom has a fascinating history. The Servite order built a church and monastery here. They finished it by 1732. The square’s name and a relief above the entrance preserve their memory. It depicts the seven Florentine youths who founded the order. They are shown adoring the Virgin Mary.
In 1867, the church’s exterior was transformed. The tower was raised by 12 meters. It gained its current eclectic facade based on Diescher J\u00f3zsef’s plans. World War II bombings heavily damaged the monastery and the adjoining tenement house. A central post office palace was built in their place.
The siege also affected the Sz\u0171z M\u00e1ria neve pl\u00e9b\u00e1niatemplom. It underwent several renovations. By 2022, it had regained its present form.
The interior dates back to the mid-1700s. The main altar stands out. It features massive columns and vases. Angels flutter in a radiant halo. They were shipped from Vienna in 1741. The altarpiece depicts the church’s patron saint. Saint Anne is shown with the child Virgin Mary and Saint Joachim.
The gilded carved wooden statues are especially valuable. They stand beside the main altar. They represent Saint Stephen King, Saint Ladislaus King, Saint John the Baptist, and Saint Joseph.
The exquisitely crafted pulpit is also noteworthy. It features gilded figures of the four evangelists. They are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The altar next to the pulpit depicts the seven holy founders of the order. They are with the Virgin Mary. Above them, we see Saint Joseph with the child Jesus. Relics of the holy founders are in a ornate reliquary on the altar.
A unique feature of the central altar is Saint Peregrin. He is the patron saint of cancer and ulcer patients. He is depicted in an armchair with a bandaged leg.
Another special feature is the fresco above the organ. It depicts King Saint Stephen offering the Holy Crown to Our Lady, the Virgin Mary.
The organ still in use today was made in 1891. It was built by the Mauracher organ building factory in Salzburg. The Rieger Brothers Organ Building Factory expanded it in 1951. The organ is housed in a ornate Baroque organ case. The parapet of the gallery features gilded lattice work. Interestingly, the smallest organ pipes are built into the railing.
The church also has a unique Stations of the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary. It depicts seven sorrows of the Virgin Mary’s life. These include:
Mary listening faithfully to Simeon’s prophecy. Mary fleeing to Egypt with Jesus and Joseph. Mary seeking Jesus who stayed in Jerusalem. Mary meeting Jesus carrying the cross. Mary standing beneath the cross of her Son. Mary receiving Jesus taken down from the cross into her lap. Mary accompanying Jesus’ body to the tomb with sorrow in her heart.
The Sz\u0171z M\u00e1ria neve pl\u00e9b\u00e1niatemplom stands as a testament to Budapest’s rich history. It is a blend of architectural styles and religious devotion. Its walls have witnessed centuries of change.”