Avasi Reformed Church
Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén
The Avasi Reformed Church in Miskolc is the city's oldest building, originally constructed in the 13th century as a Roman Catholic church dedicated to Saint Stephen. Over the centuries, it underwent significant architectural transformations, including a major expansion in the late 15th century into a three-nave late Gothic hall church with a surrounding ambulatory and richly decorated windows. In 1544, the church suffered damage when the Turks set it on fire, destroying the Gothic rib vaults, roof, and tower, leaving it roofless for over two decades. Between 1563 and 1569, it was rebuilt to serve Reformed worship, which included converting pillars to square bases and installing a flat wooden ceiling. The separate bell tower was erected apart from the main building, differing from the original tower's location. The church features thirteen Gothic windows with unique tracery designs, two rose windows on the north and west facades, and a Renaissance royal stall likely originating from the nearby Diósgyőr castle chapel. It houses two organs: a historic Angster organ from 1895 and a modern instrument installed in 2008. The church is noted for its excellent acoustics and hosts regular organ concerts and music festivals. Surrounding the church is Miskolc's oldest cemetery, including memorials such as the Kühne Adolf commemorative bench. The church, bell tower, and cemetery are registered monuments and form a notable historic ensemble visible from several city squares.
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Astuce: Visits to the Avasi Reformed Church are possible outside of worship and events only by prior arrangement, so visitors should contact the church via email or phone to schedule tours. The best time to visit is during the summer months when organ concerts and music festivals are held, offering a rich cultural experience. Groups and individuals are welcome, and advance booking is recommended to ensure availability. The church's historic status means it may have limited visiting hours, so planning ahead is advised.
Faits intéressants
- •The church's thirteen Gothic windows each have uniquely designed tracery, with only the rib profiles being identical.
- •Two rose windows adorn the north and west facades of the church.
- •The Angster organ installed in 1895 was the 240th organ built by the Angster company.
- •The church hosts regular organ concerts, including the long-running Collegium Musicum summer series since 1965 and the Opera Festival since 2001.
- •The church's royal stall in Renaissance style likely originated from the Diósgyőr castle chapel.
Histoire
Construction of the Avasi Church began in the 13th century in Romanesque style, initially as a small single-nave church.
It was expanded westwards during the reign of King Louis I and later transformed in 1489 into a late Gothic three-nave hall church with an ambulatory and varied tracery windows.
In 1544, the church was set on fire by the Turks, causing major structural damage and the loss of its tower and roof.
It remained without a roof for over twenty years.
Between 1563 and 1569, it was rebuilt to accommodate Reformed Protestant worship, with significant architectural modifications including the construction of a separate bell tower.
The church underwent several restorations, with the most recent major one completed in 1982.
Guide du lieu
Main Nave and Ambulatory1489
The central worship space of the church, featuring late Gothic architectural elements, including rib vaults replaced by a flat wooden ceiling during the Reformed reconstruction. The ambulatory surrounds the nave, allowing processions and enhancing the church's spatial complexity.
Separate Bell Tower16th century (post-1544)
Built after the Turkish destruction, the bell tower stands apart from the main church building, differing from the original tower's location. It is part of the historic monument ensemble including the church and cemetery.
Angster Organ1895
Installed in 1895 on the western gallery, this two-manual mechanical organ was the 240th instrument made by the Angster company. It underwent modernization in 1971 and remains a significant historic instrument.
Modern Organ2008
Installed in 2008 to complement the historic organ, located on the eastern side near the sanctuary. It allows for diverse organ performances and contributes to the church's renowned acoustics.
Renaissance Royal StallRenaissance period
A Renaissance-style royal seat placed along the church's axis, likely originating from the chapel of Diósgyőr castle, symbolizing historical ties to regional nobility.
Contact
Téléphone: (06 46) 358 677