The renovation of the Somoly church ruin, located on the outskirts of Regöly village, has been finished. The conservation and partial restoration has been carried out within the framework of the ROM Vándor social responsibility program of Market Építő Zrt. The architectural renovation of the medieval church ruin was designed by KÖZTI, under the leadership of project director Kelemen Bálint.
Projects aimed at preserving medieval sacred monuments are part of a long-standing initiative to ensure that forgotten or endangered historic ruins receive attention and are saved from ultimate destruction. In case of the Regöly ruin, the architectural survey was preceded by a restorer survey and architectural history research, these allowed for a conservation approach worthy of the site, both in design and construction. Similar to other ROM Vándor projectss, contemporary elements have been added to the ruin: a steel cross has been built facing the nave, which also serves as a lightning rod. The walls of the nave, vanished by now, are marked by flowers. A unique work of art has been hung inside the tower, depicting a dove, the symbol of the Holy Spirit. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that the image of the dove is only visible when one looks upwards standing in the middle of the tower.
At the officiall handover of the project, the participants together recalled the process of conserving the ruin, the preparatory work, and the most memorable professional challenges of design and construction. Special emphasis was placed on the unique discoveries that came to light during the archaeological excavation, important from the perspective of architectural history.
The preservation of Hungary’s architectural heritage is important to KÖZTI. The restoration of the church ruin in Regöly is further proof that contemporary architecture and heritage protection can create value together.
