Unexpected tragedy: Tower of 15th-century Hungarian Reformed church collapses – photos

No one yet knows why the tower of the 15th-century Hungarian Reformed church in Szilágycsehi, built in the early 17th century, suddenly collapsed. What is certain, however, is that chunks of the structure tumbled onto the road, damaging several parked cars. Police have launched a criminal investigation into the incident.

Criminal investigation, plans for rebuilding

According to Blikk, the probe centres on suspected criminal damage through negligence and breaches of health and safety regulations, but its primary aim is to establish the precise causes and circumstances. Authorities seek to determine whether rule-breaking occurred during the tower’s renovation or maintenance.

Experts from Szilágy County Council, the county chief architect, the building inspectorate, the cultural directorate, the town hall, and the Reformed Church conducted a site inspection yesterday to outline steps for debris clearance and rebuilding, and to assess the safety of the remaining structure. A key priority is salvaging valuable, reusable elements from the rubble.

On Wednesday, leaders of the Királyhágómelléki Reformed Church District arrived at the scene, alongside deanery overseers and pastors from the Zilah Reformed Church District. After prayers, they surveyed the damage and discussed restoration options. Fundraising appeals are expected to launch soon, likely including Hungary.

One of the Historic Hungarian Reformed churches in Romania

The Szilágycsehi church holds a prominent place among our regional architectural treasures. Its 15th-century Gothic sanctuary remains untouched, while the tower dates from 1614. Blikk notes that the church harmoniously blends Gothic, Baroque, and Classicist elements. It retains significant historical value through its preserved carved stones and heraldic shields, which hint at the familial and landowning ties of the era. The present building was completed in 1864–65, during the tenure of Bishop Ferenc Szaniszló of Nagyvárad.

Like many such churches, it was originally Roman Catholic, converting to Reformed faith in the 1530s alongside the village, under the influence of the historic Drágffy family.

You may read more of our Hungarian history-related articles and we especially recommend the following ones:

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