Gizella Chapel
Veszprém
Gizella Chapel, located in the historic castle district of Veszprém, Hungary, is the city's oldest surviving building. Constructed in the mid-13th century on the site of an earlier two-story structure, it features some of Hungary's oldest frescoes, depicting apostles with Byzantine influences on its lower chapel's northern wall. The chapel is a remarkable example of early Gothic architecture, notable for its vaulted ceilings, keystones, and 11 small dragon-shaped capitals adorning the upper chapel's northern wall. Originally a two-level palace chapel, it was connected to a now-destroyed medieval palace, though the original owner remains unknown. Over centuries, the chapel underwent various modifications, including Baroque alterations and restorations, especially in 1938 for the 900th anniversary of Saint Stephen's death, which aimed to return it to its original style. Today, the lower chapel is accessible to visitors, while the upper chapel's full exhibition awaits completion. The chapel is dedicated to Blessed Gizella, the first queen consort of Hungary, renowned for her role in spreading Christianity and Western culture in medieval Hungary.
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Tip: Visit Gizella Chapel during spring and early autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Advance tickets are generally not required due to its small size, but checking local tourist information is advised. The chapel's lower level is open to visitors; however, the upper chapel is not fully exhibited yet. Discounts may be available for students and seniors. Guided tours in Veszprém often include the chapel as part of the castle district itinerary.
Interesting facts
- •Gizella Chapel houses some of the oldest frescoes in Hungary, dating back to the 13th century, featuring apostolic figures with Byzantine artistic influence.
- •The upper chapel's capitals are decorated with 11 unique dragon-shaped figures, a rare medieval motif in Hungarian architecture.
- •In 1938, the chapel was restored to its original Gothic style for the 900th anniversary of Saint Stephen's death, removing later Baroque elements.
- •The chapel was nearly demolished in the 18th century but was saved due to public protests, highlighting its cultural importance to Veszprém.
- •The chapel was historically connected to a now-lost medieval palace and served as a private chapel, possibly for a bishop or royal family member.
History
Though local tradition attributes the founding of Gizella Chapel to Queen Gizella, wife of Saint Stephen, the current chapel was built in the mid-13th century atop an earlier two-story building.
Its name has been in use only since the late 18th century.
The chapel was originally a two-level palace chapel attached to a medieval palace, whose ownership is undocumented.
During the Ottoman wars, the chapel came under the control of the Veszprém provost.
In the 18th century, plans to demolish the chapel were halted due to public outcry, preserving this medieval monument.
Major restorations occurred in 1938 and later in the late 20th century, focusing on preserving the frescoes and Gothic architectural elements.
Place Guide
Lower Chapel13th century
The accessible lower level features original 13th-century frescoes depicting apostles with Byzantine stylistic influences. This area represents the chapel's early Gothic character and is open for visitors to explore.
Upper Chapel Capitals and Vaults13th century
The upper chapel retains its northern wall with vault-bearing buttresses and 11 small dragon-shaped capitals adorning the arch supports. These unique medieval sculptures are a highlight of the chapel's Gothic architecture, though the upper chapel is not yet fully exhibited.
