Reviving heritage: Renovation beckons for Hungary’s oldest Church in Zsámbék – PHOTOS

The premonstratensian church in Zsámbék, one of the most iconic and beautiful sacred buildings of medieval Hungarian church architecture, will be rebuilt.

It’s a well-known fact that few historical buildings survived the medieval age in Hungary. However, amidst the echoes of time, certain treasures persist. These include the churches in Ják and Lébény, the monumental former Premonstratensian cathedral in Ócsa, and the lovely church in Zsámbék. Albeit their historical impact is great, not all of the above were preserved in their original forms, let alone the Zsámbék Castle, which is often referred to as a ruin temple. However things are bound to change, thanks to the new developments.

The old church in Zsámbék

The Old Church and the Premonstratensian monastery, constructed circa 1220, stand as poignant remnants of Central European classic Gothic, preserving the charm of a bygone era. Originally fashioned in the Romanesque style, it underwent remodelling into the Gothic style, notwithstanding the objections of the Premonstratensian order. Nonetheless, the main body of the temple has endured unchanged through the centuries.

In 1753, the church suffered severe damage, writes HelloMagyar. Nearly one hundred and fifty years ensued before a dedicated professional took charge of its restoration. István Möller, a significant figure in Hungarian monument protection, initiated the restoration efforts in 1889, concentrating on the ruins of the three-aisled basilica. Contrary to initial expectations, the church was not reconstructed. István Möller, a true expert of monument preservation, assumed the responsibility of ensuring the temple’s enduring legacy. Approaching the project with a modern perspective, he handled the building’s remains in harmony with contemporary principles of heritage conservation. Despite four years of meticulous work, the restoration, completed in 1900, retained the church in its ruined state, preserving it as a testament to its post-earthquake condition.

With the support of the Ministry of Innovation and Technology, the Municipality of Zsámbék has unveiled an open design competition, declaring the imperative to rebuild the Zsámbék Old Church. The former Romanesque structure, transformed into the Gothic style, no longer serves its original purpose. Nevertheless, it now fulfils a vital role in promoting its own historical significance. The entire Zsámbék ruin resonates with the essence of the 13th century, embodying the architectural spirit of the pre-Tatar invasion era.

Visitors exploring this site will discern the authentic 13th-century ambience in every facet of the building mass, from the intricately incorporated stones to the weathered mortar.

The competition for the renewal of the Zsámbék Old Church and its surroundings, announced by the Municipality of Zsámbék with the support of the Ministry of Innovation and Technology, has successfully concluded. A total of 17 entries were received, with the winning proposal by Közti Ltd charting a course for the church’s reconstruction through brick supplementation. The plan includes a specific proposal for concealing the towers, demonstrating a meticulous approach and ensuring collaborative efforts between the restorer and the architect.

Monument preservation

According to their statement, the Ministry of Innovation and Technology is committed to strengthening monument protection. To this end, they have enlisted a state secretariat to supervise monument preservation and have been formulating a concept aimed at ensuring the long-term survival of historic buildings. The rebuilding of the Zsámbék Church aligns with this commitment, echoing successful restoration efforts in churches like Ják, Lébény and Ócsa. This overarching concept seeks to underscore the significance of historical monuments, offering visitors a glimpse into the realm of medieval Hungarian architecture.

Hopefully, the renovations will be approached with due consideration for the sacred character of the grounds, ensuring that the temple’s historical significance will not be lost to ravages of time and shabby workmanship. 

Should all proceed as planned, the return of the premonstratensian monks to the monastery post-renovation would mark a significant milestone. Visitors, in turn, would have the opportunity to experience the Zsámbék Church anew, as if it were being unveiled for the first time.

• Read more about historical castles in Hungary HERE.
• Read about forgotten historical sites in Hungary HERE.

Here is how it will look after the renovation: