The cemetery chapel, dating from the mid-13th century, was built in the church garden next to the south side of St. Michael's Church. It was first mentioned in 1382. As the Szent Mihály Cemetery could not be expanded, an ossuary was needed, in whose crypt the raised bones of the old graves could still rest in a consecrated place. Therefore, in the mid-13th century, the medieval butcher's chapel called St. Jacob was built, a remarkable domestic example of the transition from Romanesque to Gothic style. Its floor plan and rib division are still in the Romanesque style, but already give an idea of the burgeoning Gothic style. The octagonal floor plan is followed by a small three-sided chancel. In the middle of the nave, a slightly arched gate opens at the level of the base. In the gable of the arched, split door you can see a Romanesque relief: two dragons on either side of the tree of life. The building, built of hewn stone, is crowned by a high tiled roof.
The nave has only one large window in the wall opposite the entrance. 8 columns support the cross-ribbed vault. The ribs meet in the middle in a single capstone. The interior was probably painted in the Middle Ages.
In the 17th century it was used by Protestants together with St. Michael's Church from 1608 to 1674. It was then converted. Later it only served as a warehouse and for storing ammunition until the priest György Prímes ordered that the chapel be used for regular services again. He ordered a new altarpiece. The painting of St. James is attributed to Dorffmaister.
In the 19th century it was used as a warehouse again. Father Endre Póda saved it from demolition and restored it between 1885 and 1886 with the help of Ferenc Storno. Ferenc Storno also set up the Stations of the Cross around the chapel in 1892. Since 2003 we have been walking the Stations of the Cross here every Good Friday. In 2010 the roof was completely renewed.
Today St. James' Chapel serves as a funeral home and through continuous maintenance it regains its beauty and proclaims the glory of God.