St. Teresa of Avila Parish Church

"St. Teresa of Ávila Parish Church is the oldest church in Terézváros, with a rich history that spans several centuries. Originally a wooden chapel built in 1777, it was surrounded by village-style houses at the time. The church's construction began in 1801 based on the plans of architect Fidél Kasselik and blends Baroque, Gothic, and Classicist elements. Significant changes were made to the church in the 19th century. In 1811, Lőrinc Dunaiszky created the statue of St. Teresa that adorns the church's façade. Miklós Ybl, in 1871, replaced the steeple's spire with a brass helmet and added balustrades and vases around the roof. The church also features a rare fire-watching balcony at a height of 30 meters. Its mechanical clock, still in use today, is unique in Budapest. The interior was designed by Mihály Pollack, and the monumental high altar is one of its most impressive features. The altarpiece, created by József Schöfft, depicts the ecstasy of St. Teresa, as the church was renamed in her honor in 1822. The church also boasts an altar of St. Joseph paired with St. Stephen's altar, with altarpieces painted by Schöfft. St. Stephen's altar is decorated with allegories of Love and Hope, while St. Joseph's altar is surrounded by kneeling angels. Another distinctive feature of the church is its Moorish baptismal altar, designed by Mihály Pollack, and the new organ installed in 1890 by the renowned Angster factory. The church also has a second organ, a Rieger 9-stop monument organ, installed in 2011. An interesting historical detail is the gilded wooden chandelier, which was once used in the ballroom of the former Vigadó and survived the 1849 siege of Buda. In 1994, an urn crypt was built beneath the sanctuary, and the crypt was later extended in 2004 to include the area under the nave, with underfloor heating installed."