1476
Our church
The oldest building in Tășnad and the largest medieval church of old Közép-Szolnok County: a late-Gothic hall church and protected historic monument.
Timeline
- 1246
First written record
After the Mongol invasion, King Béla IV grants the Bishop of Transylvania privileges to resettle Tasnád. Excavations show an earlier church already stood on this site.
- 1476
The Gothic church is completed
The year is carved on a heraldic shield on the north wall of the sanctuary. The church was the seat of the episcopal vicariate, with a court sitting in its sacristy.
- 1544–1556
The Reformation
As schoolmaster, István Szegedi Kis spreads the Reformation. In 1556 the church passes to the Reformed congregation; in the 17th century it hosts several synods — over 300 ministers gather here in 1633.
- 1660
Destruction
An Ottoman attack burns the church and kills the townspeople sheltering inside. For nearly a century it lies in ruins while the congregation worships in a wooden church.
- 1770–1776
Rebuilding
Funded by the faithful, the medieval church is made usable again; money for pews is raised in 1768 and a new shingle roof laid in 1772.
- 1814–1822
The tower rises
The orb of the late-Baroque west tower is raised amid great celebration on 12 July 1821. The tower can be seen from far across the Érmellék plain.
- 1837 · 1871
Pulpit and organ
The pulpit is made in 1837, paid for by a women’s association. In 1871 an organ by József Loyl of Vienna is installed together with the western stone gallery.
- 1902
Major repairs
A new flat ceiling over the nave, strengthened walls and a new south porch.
- 2010–2011
Hidden treasures
Wall research reveals the priest’s sedilia, the sacrament niche and the medieval sacristy door. A secret drawer in an 1804 chest kept in the tower yields 85 coins and 50 shells holding gold paint.
- 2021–
Full restoration
The state grants 12 million lei for a full restoration. In 2022 archaeologists uncover the sanctuary and altar foundations of an earlier church beneath the floor.
What to look for
The 1476 shield
On the north sanctuary wall beside the pulpit — the church’s “birth certificate”.
Sacrament niche
Late-Gothic stone carving with gable and pinnacles on the north sanctuary wall.
Sedilia
A seat niche with trefoil tracery and lily-tipped cusps in the south sanctuary wall.
Medieval roof truss
One of the finest medieval-type roof structures in Transylvania.
Loyl organ, 1871
The Viennese master’s instrument on the western stone gallery.
Sanctuary
A 12.2 m high, rib-vaulted sanctuary closed by five sides of an octagon.
Historical details are compiled from the sources below; corrections and additions are welcome.