Our Lady of Hungary Parish Church
We consider the Gothic-style main square parish church to be one of Keszthely's oldest buildings, its walls adorned with Hungary's largest area of Gothic frescoes.
Oldest Building in Keszthely
The History of the Parish Church
Keszthely’s oldest building, the Gothic-style Parish Church built at the end of the 14th century and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Queen of the Hungarians, is located on the Main Square. Its founder was István Lackfy, the Palatine, who was buried in the temple after his execution in 1397, and his marble tombstone can be found on the wall of the sanctuary. The Palatine also invited Franciscan friars to the city. During the period following the Battle of Mohács, the temple was turned into a fortress. The attacks were successfully repelled several times, but at that time the soldiers gradually drove the friars out of their temple, who only returned in 1723. In 1799, the “Main Square” church became the parish church of Keszthely.
“The doors of the church are open to us. It can be visited from morning to early evening. In summer it was nice to go in because of the coolness. Inside the church is restored, idols are arranged in order, and the ceiling is in excellent condition. The benches are clean, and here and there the light of a candle appears.”
Jefte LehmannLocal Tour Guide
Hungary’s Largest Gothic Frescoes
Within the temple are Hungary’s largest Gothic frescoes, which were discovered in 1974 during electrical work. The frescoes are interesting in that they depict not only saints, but also everyday people. The building’s neo-Gothic tower is quite different from the rest of the building, as it was added later, at the initiative of Tasziló Festetics. Previously a small wooden tower stood there. The original 14th century rose window was built into the new tower.
Approach and Parking
The church is located in the central part of the city, on the Main Square, a quarter of an hour walk from the Balaton Shore. If we arrive by car, we cannot stop directly near the church, but we can use paid parking in the nearby streets.
Service Times
The service times of the church can be viewed here.
The Surroundings of the Church
After admiring the church inside and out, let’s not forget to take a short detour to the Castle- Garden behind it, which is not only beautiful but also has many interesting things associated with it. If we have been here too, we must see definitely the beautiful buildings of Keszthely’s Main Square!
3D Panorama
Informations
Show on Map8360 Keszthely, Fő tér 5.
Availability
- 8360 Keszthely, Fő tér 5. Route planning
- +36 83/312- XXX Show
- foterplebania8360@gmail.com
- https://www.keszthelyiplebania.hu/
- Google Business Profile
Open hours
- Whole year
- ClosedOpens tomorrow: 08:00
- Friday (today) 07:30-20:00
- Saturday 08:00-20:00
- Sunday 08:00-20:00
- Monday 07:30-20:00
- Tuesday 07:30-20:00
- Wednesday 07:30-20:00
- Thursday 07:30-20:00