External Renovation of the Reformed Church of Fasor, Budapest

Text: Piroska Varga
Photos: Grafit Műterem

 The restoration of a church seems to be a simple and straightforward task of monument restoration. In such a case, we can usually not talk about a change of functions, missing parts, and the building can be thoroughly explored in situ and also in plan format. Yet, delving into the design and following the construction process, a number of technical questions arise that can only be answered after careful consideration. In addition to professional aspects, lots of external factors, such as luck, budgets and tendering opportunities, can also play a role.

 The Reformed Church of Fasor in the capital city of Budapest is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful Art Nouveau style churches in Hungary. Completed in 1913, the late Art Nouveau building is enriched by folksy, stylised decorations and its interior is made up of simple geometric forms. The Reformed Parish of Fasor first envisioned a complete renovation of its façade at the end of 2019, for which purpose it won a tender, but the design programme has subsequently undergone considerable changes. A decisive factor in the planning process was that the church complex has preserved its main architectural features as well as its historic value, which was a priority all along in the planned improvements, and the contractor did an actually commendable and excellent job. The alterations thus realized were able to keep up the harmony with the building as such.