Basilica of St. Therese, Keszthely, Hungary Verified listing

Basilica of St. Therese, Keszthely, Hungary

St. Theresa’s Church, known in Hungarian as Kis Szent Teréz Bazilika, stands in the town of Keszthely, Hungary. It serves as both a Roman Catholic parish and a Carmelite monastery. Moreover, it forms part of the Archdiocese of Veszprém. In 1989, Pope John Paul II granted it the title of minor basilica.

The church's construction began in 1927. Bruno Buchwieser Sr., a Viennese architect, designed it in an Italian Romanesque style. As a result, the exterior features bold lines and solid forms. By 1930, workers had completed the structure.

However, the following years brought major disruption. In 1945, government forces expelled the Carmelite monks. Consequently, the monastery became a parish church. Then, in 1950, Hungary banned the Carmelite Order. The monks could not return until 1989.

Meanwhile, the 38-meter bell tower suffered damage during World War II. Fortunately, during Hungary’s political shift, officials approved its restoration. Reconstruction finished in 1999, marking a symbolic return to stability.

In contrast to the Romanesque exterior, the interior feels calm and Neoclassical. Since the furnishings arrived slowly, the church was not consecrated until 1938. Furthermore, the Angster company of Pécs installed the organ only in 1937.

On the high altar stands a Carrara marble statue of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Additionally, the side altars honor Our Lady of Carmel, St. Joseph, St. Stephen, and St. Teresa of Ávila. Sculptor Lajos Krsznai carved six of them. After his death, Károly Lorencz completed the seventh.

Even today, the church welcomes worshippers and visitors. Despite war and exile, it survived. More importantly, it grew stronger. Therefore, the basilica remains a lasting symbol of faith, beauty, and renewal in Hungarian Catholic life.

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