László Csaba’s churches of hidden paths

Following the works of an outstanding figure can be an intriguing itinerary, and so it is with visiting the churches of a prominent figure in Hungarian modernist architecture.

László Csaba was one of the most outstanding Hungarian architects of the second half of the 20th century. His oeuvre is connected to the establishment and development of modern architecture in Hungary, while also leaving a lasting mark on sacral architecture. The award-winning restoration of his modern church in Cserépváralja has drawn attention to his work, and now we can get to know another side of him: László Csaba, the photographer. The architect was also an enthusiastic amateur photographer who captured many interesting buildings and cityscapes during his travels.

Csaba’s architectural career coincided with the post-World War II reconstruction period. After his early works, which bore the hallmarks of socialist realism, he gradually turned towards modern architecture. In the 1960s, he became one of the most significant creators of Hungarian modernism.

His most important buildings in Hungary:

Cserépváralja, Saint Joseph the Worker Church (1965-67): Csaba’s masterpiece and one of the most outstanding works of Hungarian modern sacral architecture. The church is characterized by its asymmetrical layout, clean design, and use of natural light. The stained-glass windows adorning the walls in the interior create a spiritual atmosphere. In 2023, the church was awarded the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage, the Europa Nostra Award.

Hollóháza, Saint Ladislaus Church (1964-67): Built at the same time as the church in Cserépváralja, this is also a sacral building bearing the hallmarks of modern style. Its special features are the tent-shaped roof structure and the porcelain reliefs by Endre Szász in the interior.

Hodász, Roman Catholic Church (1977): Similar to the church in Cserépváralja, light and simplicity dominate here as well. The interior of the church is puritan, emphasizing the liturgical space.

Nyírderzs, Roman Catholic Church (1984): The church in Nyírderzs bears the characteristics of late modernism. Its proximity to nature and clean design radiate harmony.

Budapest-Békásmegyer, Blessed Eusebius Church (1987): The first church built in Budapest during the socialist era. Unlike previous church-building traditions, this modern-style building also functions as a community space.

Kaposvár-Fészekváros, Holy Cross Church (1988): The church in Kaposvár bears the hallmarks of 1980s modern architecture. It is characterized by a combination of functionality and aesthetics.

Budapest, Flóra tanya, Saint Francis Chapel (1991): This small chapel blends into nature and is an expressive building despite its simplicity.

Budapest-Csepel, Saint Imre Church (1992): Csaba’s last ecclesiastical building, which he designed together with his wife, architect Sára Juhász.

In addition to his architectural work, Csaba’s photographs are also of significant value. As an enthusiastic amateur photographer, he traveled to many European countries, capturing the architectural and social changes of the second half of the 20th century. His photographs not only provide aesthetic pleasure but also serve as historical documents.

The photographs found in the architect’s legacy offer insights into Csaba’s architectural thinking, sources of inspiration, and the architectural trends of the time. Through the images, we can get to know the works of the European masters of modern architecture, the development of cities, and the everyday lives of people.

László Csaba’s architectural and photographic work is an integral part of the Hungarian cultural heritage of the second half of the 20th century. His buildings and photographs alike bear witness to the spirit of the age, his commitment to modern architecture, and his humanist worldview.

Art historian Dániel Kovács is working on a monograph of László Csaba. For more details, see https://csabaeknal.blog.hu