Szilágyi Dezső Square Reformed Church

"Near Batthyány Square on the Buda side of the Danube, an intriguing church catches the eye with its distinct architecture. Though it appears Gothic at first glance, the structure departs from traditional medieval designs with its brick walls and rib vaults, lacking the characteristic side flying buttresses. This is no ancient relic but a neo-Gothic masterpiece by Samu Pecz, the same architect behind Budapest’s iconic Great Market Hall. The church’s design evokes the brick Gothic style of northern Europe. Its compact red-brick body is crowned by a slender 62-meter-high belfry, its pointed roof adorned with Zsolnay glazed tiles in rich hues of brown, yellow, and green. The architectural layout is equally striking, featuring a ground plan centered around a pentagonal shape, with the Lord’s table placed at the very heart. This central arrangement is both unusual and effective, offering a unique spatial experience rarely seen in Protestant churches. Inside, sunlight filters through Gothic arched windows and rose windows, bathing the light-colored walls in a warm glow. The interior is a harmonious extension of the exterior, with furnishings and pews crafted to the architect's exact specifications. The seamless blend of style and function makes this church a remarkable example of neo-Gothic ingenuity and a quiet gem among Budapest's architectural treasures."