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Reformed Church

The church, built in the late 18th century in a neoclassical style, was initially constructed without a tower, as Protestants were prohibited from building church towers during this period. The tower's construction only began in 1803 under the guidance of Ferencz Ignác, a master builder from Tokaj. At that time, the current Upper Street was still the main street of the settlement, and according to Joseph II's decree, Protestants were only allowed to build the church with its back to the main street, 30 metres further down.

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History served justice to the Reformed community in such a way that the lower street, closer to the Bodrog River, became the main route for wine merchants. Eventually, the lower street, following the river's line, completely took over the role of the main street. With the spread of the Reformation, the people of Bodrogkeresztúr quickly converted to Calvinism. By the 1600s, the settlement was predominantly Reformed, and in the mid-17th century, the Sárospatak Reformed College even operated a grammar school in the town. Later, during the Counter-Reformation, the Calvinists were expelled from the market town and could only return thanks to Thököly. However, following the Rákóczi War of Independence, the local Reformed religious life ceased again, as the former Catholic church they had been using was returned to the Catholic Church. It was only thanks to Joseph II's Edict of Tolerance that the construction of a new church became possible. Over the years, the church has undergone several renovations, the most recent of which took place in the 2000s. On a beautiful summer evening, it is worth taking a walk to the church. With a bit of luck, you might observe bats on their evening hunt while gazing at the sky. The church’s attic has been a summer home for two highly protected bat species for decades. Over 2,000 Geoffroy's bats and greater horseshoe bats find refuge here during the summer months.


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