Church of Márkháza - Hungarian architecture

The Church of Márkháza was made by the Ybl-prize winning architect István Szabó; it differs from his church-buildings in Budapest (a majority of which use concrete as structure). Thebuilding respects is environment by using simple materials and forms.

architect: István SZABÓ
year of design/construction: 1978/79
photo: © Építész Múzeum, Tarjáni képek homepage;

Márkháza is small settlement in the county of Nógrád, with a population of 250 and was formed in the valley of the river ‘Small-Zagyva’. The tales say that the highwayman knight Samson gave his son Mark this territory, which is how it got its name (Márkháza translates as ‘house of Mark’). The Christ King Church stands in the middle of the village, now marking the center of it.

The church was built using recycled materials with the help of the local community, the bottom is made of stone while the upper part is a wooden structure. The main motive on the front is the dynamic tower, which became the symbol of the village.

The church consists of a small hall, in one of its focus points is the entrance and in the other the altar and shrine which is complimented by the quire who stand on the intermediate gallery built in the tower. Behind the altar is the vestry which is separated from the nave with a folding screen. The decorative elements are unique and reflect the style of modern art well. Both the crucifix in the tower and the one in the church are the works of the same anonymous artist.

Márkháza is station frequently visited by tourists and pilgrims. The square in front of the church provides a place to rest for visitors.

text/translation: Máté PÁLFY