Rooster Church

The Downtown Reformed Church, commonly known as the "Rooster Church," is the largest Reformed church in Miskolc, crowned by a gilded rooster atop its nearly 70-meter tower, visible from any part of the city. Originally, the church had no tower; the Reformed community envisioned a new church during the late 18th-century construction, completed in 1808. The tower was only added in the 1870s after years of fundraising. One of the church's unique features is the famous Eszter Bell, donated by grain merchant István Bató in memory of his young daughter, Eszter. This is the largest bell in the diocese, calling worshippers since 1866, and rings especially on Eszter’s name day. Many legends surround the bell, such as the tale that Bató won the funds for its creation in a lottery or that the family’s jewelry was melted into the bell. The church interior is in a Classical style, with a beautiful Angster organ and pews featuring Luther roses. The gallery seats still display the names of old guilds, such as the Carpenter and Shoemaker Guilds. The last major renovation took place between 2006 and 2012, during which modern wall lights and chandeliers were installed, harmonizing with the church's classic interior. Next to the Rooster Church stands the Nyilas Misi House, the center of the Reformed community, which also houses the Bató Eszter Memorial Room. Here, original furniture and paintings from the Bató house can be seen, preserving Eszter's memory beyond the bell itself.