Szablyár Péter: Sky-high - Our Budapest (Budapest, 2007)
Churches; Towers; Domes
siege of Buda, the building was severely damaged, but its demolition in 1952 was a political decision rather than anything else. Plans for the restoration of the church as a historic monument were made under the supervision of Dr. József Csemegi in 1950—53; the stress analyst was István Góth. Archaeological excavations on the site were carried out by the Budapest History Museum under the supervision of Mrs. Vilmos Bertalan, Ph.D in 1958—68. This uncovered the 13th—15th century ground plan, which is now displayed in a set of reconstructed ruins. The tower can now be entered through a glass door from Úri utca. The visitor is greeted by an awe-inspiring view as the monumental proportions of the former church building are glimpsed through the glass wall opposite the entrance. To the north and the west is a transept each, converted into an exhibition hall, which is now out of use; the spiral stairwell leading to the upper sections open from the north transept. Overhead is a neo-Gothic ogee rebuilt on several occasions. Surviving here is a red-marble aspersorium. Climbing the high, carved-stone steps in the spiral staircase, one can reach the first storey of the tower. The spiral stairs continue in a brick side-turret, but ascending these one can only get to a dummy 41
