Castle Church - Marosvásárhely (Târgu Mureș)
History
A hundred years later, the Castle Church was set on fire by the Turks, causing its roof structure to collapse. After reconstruction, the nave received a coffered ceiling, which a century later was replaced by a vaulted ceiling. Over time, the church was enriched with a Baroque organ and an ornate communion table. Its large bell, weighing 1.6 tons, was cast in Cluj-Napoca, while the smaller one, weighing 600 kilograms, was made in 1972 in Sărmaș (Brașov County). The interior furnishings date back to the 19th century and showcase the craftsmanship of local carpenters.Style
The Gothic origins are evidenced by the sanctuary, the nave’s windows that retain original tracery, and fragments of frescoes depicting Saint Ladislaus. The absence of windows and buttresses on the northern wall suggests that a monastery was once attached there. The side walls of the nave are articulated with late Baroque columns.Famous residents
Between 1557 and 1602, the schola particula—the predecessor of the Reformed College of Târgu Mureș—operated in the Gothic chamber adjoining the sanctuary. Thirty-seven sessions of the Transylvanian Diet were held in the Castle Church. King Louis the Great (Lajos I) and John Hunyadi also visited the site. In 1559, the first Hungarian Reformed Synod convened here; in 1571, John Sigismund affirmed the religious freedom declared at the Diet of Torda. On April 8, 1707, Prince Francis II Rákóczi was elected here as ruler. A “table of tolerance” in the Gothic chamber commemorates the legalization of religious freedom, and the “singing bench” from 1760 is a rare historical artifact.
Renovation
During the most recent renovation, completed in 2020, the brick walls of the sanctuary were left unplastered, and the medieval wall paintings inside were restored. Busts of John Calvin and Gáspár Károli were reinstalled in front of the main entrance.Present day
The Castle Church of Târgu Mureș continues to serve as an active Reformed parish church while also playing an important historical and cultural role as a prominent heritage site. Following the renovation completed in 2020, it hosts not only religious services—such as worship, baptisms, and weddings—but also regular cultural events, including concerts, national commemorations (e.g., March 15, April 8, October 31), and Advent celebrations. It is also a key tourist destination, especially for those interested in history and the Transylvanian Reformation. Thus, the church stands as a space of faith, historical memory, and community culture.
