Kisdörgicse XII–XIII. századi, román kori plébániatemploma Pusztatemplomi dűlő. Állagmegóvás, tömegrekonstrukció
The Romanesque Parish Church of Kisdörgicse, 12th–13th Century: Conservation and Mass Reconstruction

Author(s): Kinga Garaguly
Subject(s): Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture
Published by: Pécsi Tudományegyetem Művészeti Kar Művészettörténet Tanszék
Keywords: Romanesque church; heritage conservation; Kisdörgicse; Balaton Uplands; medieval architecture; ruin restoration; monument protection; architectural reconstruction; cultural heritage; archaeological preservation
Summary/Abstract: The study examines the restoration and conservation of the Romanesque parish church ruin of Kisdörgicse in the Balaton Uplands, one of Hungary’s richest medieval heritage regions. The article presents the historical background of Dörgicse, a settlement that once contained five medieval stone churches because of fragmented landownership in the Middle Ages. Special attention is given to the neglected Kisdörgicse church ruin, which had long suffered from decay, vandalism, and insufficient maintenance. The author describes earlier archaeological excavations and conservation works carried out in the 1950s and 1960s under architect Tibor Koppány. Although these interventions stabilized the structure temporarily, the use of cement-based mortars later accelerated the deterioration of the original stone walls. By the early twenty-first century, the ruin had become structurally dangerous, with collapsing walls and severe moisture damage. The restoration project launched in 2022 aimed not at complete reconstruction, but at preserving the authenticity and long-term stability of the monument. The design concept included rebuilding only those architectural elements necessary for structural protection, such as selected wall sections and a protective roof, while avoiding speculative reconstructions without historical evidence. The project carefully distinguished new masonry from the medieval fabric, ensuring that the intervention remained visually identifiable yet harmonious with the original structure. Overall, the study presents the Kisdörgicse restoration as a balanced example of modern heritage conservation that respects historical authenticity while securing the future survival of the monument.

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