Az esztergomi királyi palota Szent István-termének átalakítás-története
The history of the transformation of the Saint Stephen Hall of the Royal Palace of Esztergom

Author(s): Endre Raffay
Subject(s): Architecture, Visual Arts, History of Art
Published by: Pécsi Tudományegyetem Művészeti Kar Művészettörténet Tanszék
Keywords: Esztergom Castle; Saint Stephen Hall; medieval architecture; Romanesque art; monument restoration; historic preservation; neo-Romanesque architecture; architectural history; heritage conservation; archaeological research
Summary/Abstract: The study examines the architectural transformation history of the so-called Saint Stephen Hall in the royal palace of Esztergom Castle, one of the most significant surviving medieval interiors in Hungary. The author emphasizes that the hall has remained continuously known and used since its construction during the reign of King Béla III, while preserving many original Romanesque architectural elements. Over the centuries, the space underwent several functional and architectural changes, including its adaptation as a chapel and later monument restoration interventions. The paper carefully reconstructs the sequence of alterations through archaeological evidence, historical descriptions, architectural drawings, and nineteenth- and twentieth-century visual documentation. Special attention is devoted to the major neo-Romanesque transformation commissioned by Archbishop János Simor in 1873–1874 according to the plans of József Lippert, when the hall was officially consecrated as Saint Stephen’s Chapel. The author shows how this historicist reconstruction introduced new decorative windows, painted surfaces, and architectural details that substantially changed the medieval appearance of the room. Twentieth-century monument preservation campaigns later removed many neo-Romanesque additions in an effort to restore the hall’s medieval character. The study also analyzes how repeated excavations and restorations modified the floor levels, doorways, windows, and structural interpretation of the space. Detailed examination of the surviving columns, capitals, vaults, and wall structures demonstrates the complexity of distinguishing original medieval fabric from later reconstructions and replacements. The article concludes that the present appearance of the Saint Stephen Hall is the result of multiple historical layers of restoration, reflecting changing attitudes toward monument conservation and medieval architectural authenticity.

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