A Tiszántúli Református Egyházkerület területén lévő középkori eredetű templomokon az elmúlt években végzett műemlékvédelmi helyreállítások eredményei
Results of the Restorations of Historical Monuments Carried Out in Recent Years on Medieval Churches in the Area of the Transtibiscan Reformed Church District

Author(s): Zsolt Virányi
Subject(s): Architecture, Visual Arts, Library operations and management, History of Art
Published by: Pécsi Tudományegyetem Művészeti Kar Művészettörténet Tanszék
Keywords: medieval churches; heritage conservation; Upper Tisza region; Reformed Church; monument restoration; cultural tourism; Gothic architecture; fresco restoration; sustainable tourism; architectural heritage
Summary/Abstract: The study presents recent monument conservation and restoration projects carried out on medieval churches in the Upper Tisza region of northeastern Hungary. It highlights the cultural and historical importance of the Transtibiscan Reformed Church District, which preserves a remarkable concentration of medieval ecclesiastical heritage. The article explains how the “Route of Medieval Churches” became an important cultural tourism initiative and received international recognition through the EDEN Award. Several churches, including those in Csaroda, Sonkád, Gyügye, Beregsurány, Kölcse, Tarpa, and Vámosatya, are discussed as outstanding examples of successful restoration projects. The restorations focused on preserving authentic medieval architectural elements, frescoes, wooden ceilings, Gothic portals, and historic furnishings. Archaeological research and architectural investigations played a crucial role in reconstructing lost structural elements and understanding earlier building phases. The study also emphasizes the importance of distinguishing new additions from original medieval fabric while maintaining visual harmony. In addition to conservation work, the region has invested in visitor centres, cycling tourism infrastructure, accommodation development, and educational heritage programs. These initiatives aim to connect monument preservation with sustainable tourism and local community development. Overall, the article demonstrates how careful restoration and tourism planning can protect fragile cultural heritage while revitalizing the Upper Tisza region economically and culturally.

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