Matthias Church

Budapest,

Hungary

Szentháromság tér 2, 1014, Budapest, Hungary

Matthias Church is a Catholic church located in Budapest, within the Buda Castle complex. Built in a lavish late Gothic style in the second half of the 14th century, it was significantly reconstructed at the end of the 19th century. Matthias Church is listed among the 23 most beautiful churches in the world by The Telegraph. Although named after a Hungarian ruler who was not canonized, it is more popularly known as the Church of Saint Matthias.

History

The original church on the site of the current Matthias Church in Budapest was built around 1015 by order of Stephen I but was destroyed in 1241 during the Mongol invasion. A new church was erected in 1246-1247. In the 14th century, as Buda became the capital, the church was significantly expanded and became the country's main cathedral. After being destroyed by the Turks in 1526, it was converted into a mosque, which it remained for 145 years until Buda was liberated by the forces of the Holy League in 1686. Attempts to rebuild it in the Baroque style were unsuccessful. The final reconstruction by architect Frigyes Schulek in the 19th century restored its Gothic appearance, characteristic of King Matthias's reign, and added colorful tiles.

Interior

Matthias Church is not only attractive for its tiles and unusual Gothic exterior, uncommon in Hungary, but also for its interior decor. The church's interior was created in the 19th century during the last reconstruction.

The main gem of Saint Matthias Church's interior includes its stained glass windows and wall paintings by artists Bertalan Székely and Károly Lotz. The main altar and many decorative items in the church were designed by Frigyes Schulek.

Along the north wall, there are a series of chapels, each with its own history and distinctive paintings. Among the most popular with tourists are the Holy Trinity chapel, which houses the sarcophagus of King Béla III and his wife, and the chapel of Saint Emeric, which features a sculptural group. The Virgin Mary Gates on the south side are the only part of the building dating back to the 14th century, where signatures and marks of craft guilds can be found.

A gallery leading to the underground crypt houses a museum of religious art. Above the sacristy, a cross is situated with paintings on both sides depicting scenes from Pentecost and the Presentation of the Virgin Mary in the Temple.

Organ

The organ in the church, the largest in Budapest, made in 1909, deserves special attention. It was significantly damaged during World War II and was only restored in the 1980s. In 2009, the organ was completely dismantled and sent to the city of Pécs for a full restoration before being returned to the church. The organ is used during masses held in the church, as well as at organ music concerts.