Name of Mary Church
Vojvodina
The Name of Mary Church, located in the heart of Novi Sad on Freedom Square, is the city's largest Roman Catholic parish church. Originally established in 1702, the current neo-Gothic structure was completed in 1894 following several reconstructions due to damage from war and fire. Designed by Hungarian architect György Molnár, the church features a three-nave layout with twenty stained glass windows depicting saints and church fathers. Its 72-meter bell tower topped with a golden cross dominates the city skyline. The interior houses four intricately carved wooden altars, a mechanical pipe organ with 24 registers, four confessionals, and a marble baptistry. The roof is adorned with Zsolnay ceramic tiles, a distinctive feature of the building. Though often referred to locally as a cathedral, it is technically a parish church under the Diocese of Subotica. The church is also culturally significant, having appeared in the 1961 American film "Square of Violence."
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Tip: Visitors are advised to visit during weekdays to avoid crowds, especially in the morning when the church is peaceful. Tickets can often be purchased on-site, but checking ahead for any special events or services is recommended. The church is accessible by public transport and located centrally, making it easy to combine with other city sightseeing. Discounts may be available for students and seniors.
Interesting facts
- •The church is the third tallest in the Bačka region, with its bell tower standing 72 meters high.
- •The roof tiles are made from Zsolnay ceramics, a famous Hungarian porcelain manufacturer.
- •Architect György Molnár designed the church pro bono, and the church honored him with a bust inside the building.
- •The church contains a mechanical pipe organ with 24 registers, notable for its sound quality.
- •The church was featured in the 1961 American film 'Square of Violence', filmed in Novi Sad.
History
The Catholic parish in Novi Sad was established in 1702, with the first church built in 1719 to commemorate the Holy League's victory at the Battle of Vienna.
This original church was destroyed in 1742 and replaced by a new building consecrated the same year.
The second church suffered heavy damage during the 1848 Hungarian Revolution, including the destruction of its bell tower.
In 1891, the city decided to demolish the old structure and build a new church designed by György Molnár, completed in 1894.
A fire in 1904 destroyed the roof, which was promptly rebuilt through community donations.
Place Guide
Main Nave and Altars1893-1894
The church features a three-nave layout with four altars. The main altar in the apse is made of intricately carved wood from Tyrol and depicts the Virgin Mary alongside Hungarian kings and saints Stephen and Ladislaus. Other altars include the Resurrection of Jesus, Saint Florian (protector of firefighters), and the Christ's Tomb altar beneath the choir. Sculptures are either colorfully painted or imitate marble.
Stained Glass Windows1893-1894
Twenty stained glass windows from Budapest adorn the church, depicting various saints and church fathers, contributing to the neo-Gothic ambiance and spiritual atmosphere inside.
Bell Tower1894
Rising 72 meters, the bell tower is capped with a golden cross and is one of the tallest structures in Novi Sad, dominating the city skyline and serving as a prominent landmark.
Roof and Ceramics1904 (reconstruction)
The roof is covered with distinctive Zsolnay ceramic tiles, a hallmark of Hungarian craftsmanship, rebuilt after a fire in 1904 thanks to donations from local parishioners.
Contact
Phone: 021 6616862
