St John the Baptist Parish
The Parish of St John the Baptist, more commonly known as the Church of Friends, is one of the oldest and most important Roman Catholic churches in Târgu Mures. Located in the centre of the city, in the main square, the church is associated with the Franciscan Order and has played a significant role in Catholic life for centuries.
The church was built in the 18th century, when the Franciscan monks erected a new Baroque church on the site of the former medieval church. The Order played a significant role in the religious life of Târgu Mures in order to preserve the Catholic religion. The church was built between 1741 and 1750, mainly with the support of Kata Bethlen.
During the communist era, church life was severely restricted, but after the change of regime, the church once again played an important role in the life of the Catholic community in Târgu Mures.
The imposing façade is decorated with ornaments and sculptures typical of Baroque church architecture. The interior of the church has a richly decorated high altar depicting St. John the Baptist, with side altars to various saints. The interior walls and ceiling of the church are decorated with Baroque frescoes and elaborate wood and gilded ornaments.
The monumentality of the sacred space is further enhanced by the high vaulted ceiling, which creates a spacious, bright interior. The church's unique organ was built in the 19th century and still plays an important role in liturgies today.
The Parish of St John the Baptist is still an active church centre, with regular masses, religious festivals and community events. The building is outstanding not only as a religious site but also as an architectural and historical landmark.
City:
Târgu Mureș