Churches in Keszthely

Churches in Keszthely

Reformed Church

If we go towards the Helikon Park, it is worth making a detour to the Reformed Church located in the villa district of Keszthely. It took a long way until the foundation stone of the building was ceremoniously laid in September 1931. The construction took only 9 months and priests and presbyters took part in the work. In June 1932, the consecration of the church took place.

“I like to meditate there, spiritually.”

Elek KovácsLocal Tour Guide

An interesting factAt the consecration of the church, the famous writer of the age, Zsigmond Móricz, paid his respects.

When we look at the building, it is not surprising that we feel like it is reminiscent of Transylvanian architecture, as it bears folk Kalotaszeg style features and Székely carved wooden patterns. The church’s peculiarity is its bell called “Gályarab”. The building has undergone several renovations, its tower was reinforced in 1959-60 and its outer walls were renovated in 2007.

Evangelical Church

The city’s evangelical church can be found in Deák Ferenc Street, parallel to the Promenade Street. The baroque and early Christian style building, capable of accommodating about 300 people, was built in the 1920s according to the plans of Bálint Szeghalmy. The history of the Keszthely congregation dates back to László Festetics (1785-1846), who brought evangelical craftsmen to his estate. They went to the distant Kővágóörs church for worship for a long time before they had their own church, were waiting for about a hundred years.

“Very good pastor, beautiful worship.”

Annamária KóborLocal tour guide

Synagogue

At the end of the somewhat secluded Goldmark courtyard can be found the synagogue of Keszthely, which was built in 1780 by Festetics György according to the plans of Kristóf Hofstadter. An interesting fact is that the originally classical style synagogue was originally accessible from Fejér György Street through a narrow alley. In 1852 it was transformed, and in 1894 it was extended with an eclectic façade. In front of the façade a gloomy black marble obelisk reminds of the former ghetto, and the memory of the Jews who died during World War II is kept on the black and white memorial plaques on the walls of the temple. In 1993 a major renovation began, and in 1995 the synagogue was reopened, which makes it unique among the sights of Keszthely with its old-fashioned atmosphere.
The synagogue can be visited by prior appointment: 06 83 312 188

“I really like the community there. I like to go there.”

KatalinLocal guide

Our Catholic Churches: The Carmelite Basilica and the Franciscan Parish

Let’s not forget our Catholic churches either, since the country’s largest Carmelite basilica, the Little Saint Teresa Carmelite Basilica is located in Keszthely, and the city’s oldest building is the former Franciscan church on Main Square, the Our Lady of the Hungarians Parish Church.