Description

The Deák Square Lutheran Church stands as Budapest, Hungary's oldest and most renowned Lutheran church. Situated in the 5th district on Deák Ferenc Square, this towerless, classical-style hall church holds the distinction of being the largest Protestant church in the city. It serves as a focal point for various Lutheran institutions, including a high school, pastor's office, parsonages, bookstore, museum, and kindergarten, earning the neighborhood the moniker "Insula Lutherana" or "Lutheran Island."

The church boasts a substantial, convex metal roof structure, covering a single-space, rectangular hall interior adorned with double galleries. Notable features include the altarpiece portraying the Transfiguration of Christ, crafted by Mihály Pollack with artistic adaptation by Ferenc Lochbichler, and the pulpit and red marble baptismal font, created by Lőrinc Dunaiszky.

Constructed between 1799 and 1808 based on Mihály Pollack's designs, the church initially served as a military clothing warehouse before its consecration in 1811. The double gallery addition was completed in 1820. The main façade, enhanced with Doric pilasters and a tympanum, was executed by József Hild in 1856. Oversight of subsequent construction tasks fell to Károly Benkó from 1867. In 1875, the small classical-style tower was removed for structural reasons, coinciding with the replacement of the domed ceiling with a flat coffered ceiling.

During the devastating Budapest flood of March 1838, the church provided refuge for many, while a marble plaque on the façade commemorates the baptism of Lajos Kossuth's sons, Ferenc and Lajos Tivadar. Bronze reliefs on the courtyard-facing wall honor the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther and the 300th anniversary of Johann Sebastian Bach.

Engraver: Emma Sz. Egyed