Buda Castle Buda Castle, Budapest
Matthias Church, one of the most iconic landmarks of Buda Castle in Budapest, has stood as a witness to Hungary’s most defining historical moments. From its early medieval origins to its grand Neo-Gothic restoration, the church has evolved through centuries of royal ceremonies, wars, and architectural transformations. This timeline explores the rich history of Matthias Church, highlighting its architectural evolution, cultural significance, and the pivotal events that have shaped its legacy.
11th Century: Founding Traditions
According to ecclesiastical tradition, Matthias Church in Budapest was founded by King Stephen I in 1015. However, no written or physical evidence survives from this period, and the first recorded mention appears only after the Ottoman occupation.
13th Century: Gothic Foundations
The church was first mentioned in a 1247 document as an ongoing construction, suggesting that its foundation likely took place around this time. After the Mongol invasion, King Béla IV rebuilt the church between 1255 and 1269 as a grand, three-naved basilica. The first construction phase included the main sanctuary, side chapels, and the elaborate Bride’s Gate, closely resembling the cathedral of Lyon. The stone carvings on the Bela Tower date back the 1260s and are one of the oldest, fully restored medieval remnants in Budapest.
14th Century: Transformation into a Gothic Hall Church
The first coronation within the walls of Matthias Church took place in 1309, when Charles Robert was crowned King of Hungary. During the late 14th century, reconstruction efforts began, expanding the church in Gothic style. King Louis I initiated a complete transformation, adding large traceried windows and the distinctive Mary Gate, modelled after St. Lawrence’s Church in Nuremberg.
15th Century: Matthias and the Tower
King Matthias Corvinus held both of his weddings at the church, indicating his deep affection for the site. Under his rule, the iconic southern bell tower was further expanded, and in 1470, he placed his coat of arms on its southwestern wall. His royal oratory was also built, but it was later destroyed during the Ottoman period.
16th Century: The Ottoman Mosque
Following the fall of Buda in 1541, the church was converted into the “Eski Cami” or Old Mosque. Interior furnishings were removed, frescoes were whitewashed, and key architectural elements, including chapels and towers, were dismantled.
17th-18th Century: Baroque Revival
After the reconquest of Buda in 1686, the Jesuit order took over the church and added a seminary and college, integrating the church into a larger religious complex. By the 18th century, Baroque additions had obscured its Gothic origins, with new altars, chapels, and a revised facade.
19th Century: Gothic Revival Restoration
By the mid-19th century, the church, enclosed by Baroque structures, was no longer considered regal enough, and its tower was in poor condition. The Temporary Committee for Monuments, with significant financial support from Emperor Franz Joseph, commissioned Frigyes Schulek in 1873 to lead the restoration. Schulek not only restored but transformed the church, aiming to return it to a free-standing Gothic structure. To achieve this, he proposed demolishing adjacent ministry buildings, a process completed in 1885. His early plans even envisioned twin towers, reminiscent of the Cologne Cathedral or Vienna’s Votive Church, though this idea was revised under the guidance of his former mentor, Friedrich Schmidt.
By 1876, due to the deteriorating condition of the church, services were halted, with the last Mass held on October 15. As restoration progressed, cost-cutting measures in 1884 led to the removal of plans for the northern tower. The final Gothic tower, as seen today, was completed in 1894, and the church was reopened for worship on August 15, 1893, before its full completion in 1896. Schulek’s Neo-Gothic vision, a truly ingenious one, extended to intricate sculptural and interior designs, including the introduction of colourful Zsolnay ceramic tiles on the roof. His meticulous renovations and historical vision ensured the church’s grandeur aligned with its historical significance.
20th Century: War Damage and Reconstruction
World War II severely damaged Matthias Church, destroying its roof and interior. Restoration efforts continued throughout the 1950s-1970s, and in 1999, the church was officially returned to the Catholic Church.
21st Century: A Lasting Landmark
Recent restorations, completed in 2015, have ensured Matthias Church remains one of Budapest’s most iconic architectural and historical treasures. As the heart of Buda Castle Hill, it continues to inspire visitors with its breathtaking Gothic Revival splendour and rich history.
Today, Matthias Church remains a breathtaking example of Gothic Revival architecture, blending medieval grandeur with 19th-century craftsmanship. As a treasured symbol of Budapest’s heritage, it continues to captivate visitors with its intricate details, vibrant Zsolnay-tiled roof, and centuries-old stories. Standing proudly on Buda Castle Hill, it is not only a place of worship but also a monument to Hungary’s enduring history and architectural brilliance.
