Little Saint Teresa Carmelite Basilica

The Largest Carmelite Church

From laying the foundation stone to the post-WWII restoration

The foundation stone of the basilica was laid in 1927, but it had to wait for more than ten years for its consecration. The monastery part, the parish, and the place of training of the religious candidates, the novitiate, are all part of the complex. The neo-Romanesque religious building, 53 meters long and 18 meters wide, was designed by Brúnó Bruchwieser , an architect from Vienna, and was helped in its construction by Béla Marchall, an architect from Győr, and Ferenc Langmár , a builder. The bells are a testimony to the work of László Szlezák, a bell founder. The marble altars and sculptures were created by Lajos Krasznai (Krausz). The main altar was first created in 1932, based on the model of one of the altars of the basilica in Lisieux, and in the following years the side altars depicting the Virgin Mary and Jesus, Saint Joseph and Saint Stephen were also completed. The side altars of Saint John the Baptist and Saint Teresa were made later. The sculptures of Saint Florian, Saint John of Nepomuk and the Georgics are located in front of the building. On May 22, in 1938, the basilica was consecrated by His Eminence Adeodato Giovanni Piazza. The basilica did not escape the Second World War unscathed, and the repair work lasted for years after the war ended.

History of the Basilica in the Second Half of the 20th Century and Today

In 1950, the Carmelite order was banned and the temple operated as a parish for 40 years. In 1989, the order was able to resume its activities and Pope John Paul II raised the temple to the rank of “Basilica Minor”. Since 2017, the pastoral care has been taken over by the Diocese of Veszprém. A colorful spiritual life takes place in the Basilica, which, in addition to religious ceremonies, also hosts classical concerts, organ concerts and exhibitions.

“A high, spacious and modestly decorated temple, where it is nice to stop for a short spiritual rest. The building looks very beautiful from the outside too.”

Éva VíghLocal Guide

Approach and Parking

The Basilica is located on Tapolcai Road, parking is available in front of and near the basilica.

Mass Schedule

The mass schedule can be viewed here