The renovation of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption and Saint Adalbert in Esztergom is in full swing: after the completion of the main entrance in 2020, it is now time for the dome, the altarpiece, and the organ. The work is expected to last until 2025.
This article was originally published on our sister-site, Ungarn Heute.
The renovation works started in 2019; at the beginning, minor works were carried out in the northern aisle, as well as an elevator installed, with which it is possible to reach the treasury and the panoramic room without barriers. In the next step, the main entrance was completed by August 2020.
Photo by Mihály Nagy/Magyar Építők
In 2020, a spectacular part of the renovation began: the dome will be renewed both inside and out by the end of 2023. For the scaffolding, it was necessary to use a special method so that during the works the holy masses could still be held.
Fact
The first church on the site was built in 1010 during the reign of the first Hungarian king, St. Stephen and was destroyed by fire in the 12th century. After its reconstruction, it survived the Mongol invasion and was elevated to the status of an Episcopal Church. In 1543 the Ottomans occupied the church. When in 1820 the seat of the archbishopric and the cathedral chapter was moved again to Esztergom, it was also decided that the cathedral should be rebuilt. According to the plans of József Hild, it was handed over on November 1, 1869, in the classicist style. The cathedral is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God, and to St. Adalbert of Prague.
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Renovation of the two bell towers will begin in 2022, with a memorial to former Cardinal József Mindszenty being built in the southern tower.
Photo by Mihály Nagy/Magyar Építők
Renovation of the large organ, built-in 1856, is expected to begin in January 2022 and be completed in 2025.
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Source: Origo
Featured image via Mihály Nagy/Magyar Építők
