Gazing up at the Zugligeti Szent Család-templom, one might wonder about its origins. This beautiful church, nestled in the Buda hills, has a rich history. Let’s step back in time to the early 20th century. Zugliget was sparsely populated then. Mária Almássy, the head of the Loreto Sisters in Hungary, envisioned a church here. The Loreto Sisters, dedicated to education, chose the Holy Family as the church’s patron. Construction of the Zugligeti Szent Család-templom began in 1913, based on the design of the Rathfarnham convent church in Ireland. Architect Dr. Hültl Tivadar brought this vision to life in a neo-Romanesque style. The church was completed and consecrated in 1917.
The Zugligeti Szent Család-templom boasts stunning artwork. The sanctuary holds a magnificent mosaic of the Holy Family. Created by Imre Zsellér, it’s one of the largest mosaics in Central Europe. This mosaic depicts Christ, the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, and Mary’s parents, St. Joachim and Anna. Angels surround them, holding symbols of Christ’s Passion. Three more angels carry a ribbon inscribed with “Quidquid Deus non est, nihil est et pro nihilo computari debet.” This translates to “Whatever is not God, is nothing and should be considered as nothing.” Zsellér also designed the church’s vibrant stained-glass windows, including the large rose window. The neo-Gothic main altar, crafted from Rușchița marble, was designed by Italian sculptor Del Amico. Above the entrance, a relief by Viktor Vass depicts Jesus welcoming children.
The Zugligeti Szent Család-templom’s interior features more captivating details. The walls are adorned with Dalmatian marble. Two green columns, made of siklósi marble, stand prominently. The entrance is flanked by porphyry columns from Czechoslovakia. Ruskica marble paves the sanctuary floor. The reliefs and statues are carved from Carrara marble, including the statues of St. Anthony of Padua and St. Jude Thaddeus in the main aisle. Four altarpieces in the main aisle depict scenes from the Holy Family’s life. One side shows the birth of Jesus and the flight to Egypt. The other portrays St. Joseph’s exhaustion as Jesus wipes his brow, and St. Joseph’s death. Stained-glass windows in the side aisle celebrate Hungarian saints: St. Margaret, Blessed Gisela, St. Elizabeth, and St. Emeric. A rose window above the choir depicts St. Cecilia, and another above the sanctuary shows the Holy Spirit as a dove.
The Zugligeti Szent Család-templom stands as a testament to faith and artistry. It’s a place of peace and beauty within the bustling city. As you leave, remember its inspiring story and the dedication of those who brought it to life.