Rooster Church

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The Downtown Reformed Church, commonly known as the Rooster Church, is the largest Reformed church in Miskolc, adorned with a gilded rooster on top of its nearly 70-metre-high tower. This rooster serves as a guide from any part of the city. Although the church originally lacked a tower, during the construction that began in the late 18th century, the Reformed community envisioned a new church, which was completed in 1808. The tower was only added in the 1870s, after years of fundraising to secure the necessary resources for its construction. One of the church's most remarkable features is the famous Eszter Bell, donated by grain merchant István Bató in memory of his young daughter, Eszter, who passed away prematurely. This bell, the largest in the diocese, has been calling the faithful since 1866 and rings especially on Eszter's name day. Several legends surround the bell, such as Bató winning the funds for its creation in a lottery or the family’s jewellery being melted into the bell. The church's interior is designed in a neoclassical style, enriched by the Angster organ and pews adorned with Luther roses. The names of old guilds, such as the Carpenter or Tanner guilds, can still be seen on the pews in the gallery. The church underwent its last major renovation between 2006 and 2012, during which modern wall sconces and chandeliers were installed, harmonising with the church's classical interior. Next to the Rooster Church is the Nyilas Misi House, the centre of the Reformed community, which also houses the Bató Eszter Memorial Room. This room displays furniture and paintings from the original Bató House, preserving Eszter's memory beyond the bell.