Kiss Gábor: A szombathelyi Szent Márton-templom a domonkosok idején (1638-1950) (Szombathely, 2012)
I THe Dominican chucch of szombatHely 11638-1950) Roots of St. Martin's Church in Szombathely go back to the Roman times, to the beginning of Christianity. As it served as a parish church of the city in the Middle Ages, the cemetery of the settlement was located around it. It was rebuilt more times in accordance with new demands. It has become more important as the place is traditionally regarded as St. Martin's, bishop of Tours, place of birth. The church was in poor condition by the beginning of the 17th century. The Dominican Order took it over in 1638 and it was a turning point in the life of the church. Present publication shows records of this period lasting until 1950. The Dominican Order resettling back to Hungary after the expulsion of the Turks founded its first monastery here. Earl György Erdődy and his wife Erzsébet Batthyány became protectors of the monastery. The present building was built from Erzsébet Batthyány's donations based on the plans of the Italian architect, Carlo della Torre between 1668 and 1674. Hardly anything has remained from the original church interior and facilities as most of them had to be demolished around 1750 when the new crypt was created. The new interior that can be seen these days was obviously built in order to propagate the cult of the Dominican Saints. Then the title of the church was changed from St. Martin to Holy Trinity. Honour of the local Saint was restricted to the chapel, however, the role of the statue of Virgin Mary, the Wonderworker was just as important in believers's life. Various assemblies were founded related to altars, the most remarkable is the Rosary Assembly still existing. In 1930 the church became a parish church again with dividing land of the Szombathely parish. In order to increase capacity, the building was enlarged with putting in a second transept and renovating the interior based on Wälder Gyula's plans. The Dominican cultural centre was built on the square in front of the church at the same time. In 1938, on the 300th anniversary of the existence of the friary, the well statue, made by Rumi Rajki István, was initiated. In 1950 when Hungarian orders were dissolved, the Dominicans living in Szombathely were interned, too. Since then priests of Szombathely diocese have served in the parish. They persistently preserve the Dominican traditions, of which the most important event is the three day long retreat held on the feast-day of St. Margaret of the House of Árpád. 32
