In 1091, King Ladislaus of Hungary — the warrior-saint whom his people called Szent László — was fleeing Cuman raiders through a forested valley in the Mátra mountains when his horse made a desperate leap across a gorge. Where the hooves struck stone on the far side, water burst from the rock. The spring has never stopped flowing. Within a century, the Virgin Mary appeared to a mute shepherd boy at the same spot, telling him to dig in the earth and drink. He obeyed, and his voice returned.
Nine hundred years later, two hundred thousand pilgrims still come each year to this valley in Nógrád County, drawn by the same water and the same faith. Szentkút — "Holy Well" — is Hungary's Nemzeti Kegyhely, its National Shrine, a designation bestowed by Cardinal Péter Erdő on the Feast of the Assumption in 2006. The Baroque basilica rises above the forest floor, Franciscan friars welcome visitors as they have since 1772, and the octagonal fountain still feeds from the spring that legend says a king's horse opened and the Mother of God blessed.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
The earliest documented pilgrimage to Szentkút dates to the twelfth century, following the Marian apparition to the shepherd boy. In 1210, growing pilgrim traffic prompted the construction of the first church in the nearby village of Mátraverebély. In 1258, Pope Alexander IV granted the shrine a pilgrimage charter with plenary indulgence privileges — placing Szentkút among the most important pilgrimage destinations of medieval Hungary.
Through the centuries of Ottoman occupation (1541–1699), the shrine survived in reduced form, tended by hermits who lived in caves carved into the hillside above the spring. After liberation, devotion revived rapidly. In 1700, Pope Clement XI ordered an investigation into reported healings at the spring and officially approved the miracles — the only such papal approval in Hungarian history.
The current basilica was built between 1758 and 1763 by János Almásy, chief captain of the Jász and Kun peoples, as thanksgiving for his own miraculous healing at the spring. The hermit priest Ádám Antal Bellágh assisted the construction of both the church and the adjacent Franciscan friary. In 1772, the Order of Friars Minor took permanent residence, beginning an unbroken tradition of Franciscan hospitality that would survive even the Communist era — though barely. In 1950, the authorities expelled the friars and converted the monastery into a nursing home.
Despite state persecution, the shrine's significance was recognized even from Rome. In 1970, Pope Paul VI elevated the church to Minor Basilica status — a remarkable gesture during the darkest period of Hungarian Catholicism. After the regime change in 1989, the Franciscans returned and began restoring both the buildings and the pilgrimage tradition. In 2006, Cardinal Péter Erdő declared Szentkút Hungary's National Shrine. In 2016, the basilica was affiliated with the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, granting pilgrims special indulgence privileges.
The most recent chapter came in 2015, when architect Tamás Nagy completed a sweeping renovation of the pilgrim center — a 300-meter serpentine building integrated into the hillside with green roofs and natural stone paving, nominated for ArchDaily's Building of the Year. The ancient and the modern now serve pilgrims side by side in this valley where water and faith have flowed together for nine centuries.
☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Mátraverebély-Szentkút
Nagyboldogasszony-bazilika
Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption
The Baroque basilica built by János Almásy between 1758 and 1763 stands at the heart of the shrine complex, flanked by twin towers visible through the forest canopy. The interior preserves its original Baroque altarpieces and the miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary, returned to the basilica on Pentecost 2014 after decades in safekeeping. Elevated to Minor Basilica by Pope Paul VI in 1970 and declared Hungary's National Shrine in 2006, it serves as the liturgical centre for the shrine's annual calendar of over twenty pilgrimage celebrations.
Szentkút — A Szent Forrás
The Holy Well
The miraculous spring that gives the shrine its name flows from an octagonal stone fountain crowned with a statue of the Madonna and Child. According to tradition, the spring first appeared under the hooves of King St. Ladislaus's horse in 1091, and the Virgin Mary later directed a mute shepherd boy to drink from it and be healed. Pope Clement XI investigated and approved the miraculous healings in 1700. Four named springs — Holy Trinity, St. Stephen, St. Emeric, and St. Ladislaus — feed the complex. Pilgrims continue to drink and wash in the water, which flows year-round.
Szent László-hasadék
St. Ladislaus Gorge
A 200-meter gorge in the Szentkúti-Patak Valley marks the legendary site where King Ladislaus's horse leapt across the chasm while fleeing Cuman warriors in 1091. A forest path from the main shrine complex leads to the gorge and the four named springs that tradition associates with Hungary's founding saints. The path passes through the same wooded hillside where medieval hermits once lived in caves, some of which remain visible.
Szabadtéri Oltár
Outdoor Altar
The open-air liturgical space was originally constructed around 1930 and completely renovated in 2015 by architect Tamás Nagy. Above the altar, a mosaic by the Jesuit artist Marko Ivan Rupnik — whose mosaics also adorn the Redemptoris Mater Chapel in the Vatican — depicts the Mother of God. The space accommodates the tens of thousands of pilgrims who gather for the Assumption Nagybúcsú and other major celebrations, set against the natural amphitheatre of the forested valley.
Keresztút az Erdőben
Stations of the Cross in the Forest
A devotional Way of the Cross winds through the wooded hillside surrounding the shrine, combining prayer with the contemplative silence of the Mátra mountain forest. The stations follow a shaded path that medieval hermits once walked, offering pilgrims a physical and spiritual journey through the Passion narrative in a setting where faith and nature are inseparable.
🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations
Assumption of Our Lady — Great Pilgrimage (Nagybúcsú) — August 15–17
The principal pilgrimage of the year, celebrating the basilica's patronal feast. Three days of solemn Masses, processions through the forest, and veneration at the miraculous spring draw tens of thousands of pilgrims. It was on this feast in 2006 that Cardinal Péter Erdő formally declared Szentkút Hungary's National Shrine. Book accommodation months in advance.
Feast of St. Ladislaus — June 27–29
Commemorates the founding legend of the shrine with a distinctive equestrian pilgrimage (lovas búcsú). Horsemen from across Hungary ride to the shrine in honour of the warrior-king whose horse opened the miraculous spring. The celebration includes mounted processions, special Masses, and family festivities.
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary — September 6–8
A major Marian pilgrimage marking the birth of Our Lady, featuring a special pilgrimage train from Budapest that makes this remote mountain shrine accessible to urban pilgrims. Three days of solemn liturgies and devotions at the holy well.
Pentecost — Moveable
A weekend-to-Monday jubilee pilgrimage celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit. The beloved statue of the Virgin Mary was returned to the shrine on Pentecost 2014 after decades in safekeeping, making this feast particularly meaningful for Hungarian Catholics.
Franciscan Youth Walking Pilgrimage — August 15–20
An annual walking pilgrimage of 200–250 young people covering 145 kilometers on foot, arriving at Szentkút on St. Stephen's Day (August 20), Hungary's national holiday. Organized by the Franciscan Order, it combines physical challenge with communal prayer and creates a vibrant atmosphere in the pilgrim centre.
Our Lady of Hungary — October 4–8
Celebration of Hungary's national Marian patronage (Magyarok Nagyasszonya) combined with the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary (October 7). A pilgrimage of national significance, reflecting Hungary's deep Marian identity.
🛏️ Where to Stay
Szentkút Pilgrim Center (pilgrim accommodation) — The shrine's own accommodation, renovated in 2015 by architect Tamás Nagy. 25 double rooms with en-suite bathrooms in the guesthouse, plus 90 hostel beds in 8-bed and 14-bed dormitories. On-site Saint James Restaurant, Saint Anna Conference Hall, Franciscan Gallery, gift shop, and camping. Book directly: +36 32 418 029. Website
Fakanalas Fogadó (guesthouse) — Traditional Hungarian country inn along Csörgő stream in Mátrakeresztes, 8 km from the shrine. Restaurant serving regional cuisine, modern rooms with air conditioning. Rated 9.4 on Booking.com. Website ∙ Reserve this hotel
Templomvölgy Butik Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Boutique hotel in a scenic forest setting in Mátrakeresztes, 8 km from the shrine. Fine dining, sauna, hot tub, and terrace. Reserve this hotel
Hotel Ózon ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Wellness resort at 710 meters altitude in Mátraháza, 25 km from the shrine. 2,000 m² spa with cave spa and mountain views toward Kékestető, Hungary's highest peak. A rewarding extension for pilgrims seeking rest after the journey. Website ∙ Reserve this hotel
Salgó Hotel ⭐⭐⭐ — Forest hotel in a nature reserve near Salgótarján, 28 km from the shrine and 3 km from the medieval Salgó Castle. Restaurant with Hungarian cuisine, sauna, fitness centre. From €30/night. Reserve this hotel
🚗 Getting There
By Air: The nearest international airport is Budapest Liszt Ferenc (BUD), approximately 90 km south. No direct airport transfer — rent a car or travel via Budapest city centre by train or bus.
By Train: MÁV Hungarian State Railways operates services on the Hatvan–Salgótarján line with a stop at Mátraverebély (2 hours 24 minutes from Budapest-Keleti via Hatvan transfer). From the station, follow the Blue Trail (Kéktúra) north for 5 km to reach the shrine — a pleasant forest walk.
By Bus: Volánbusz operates direct coaches from Budapest Népliget bus station to Mátraverebély (szentkúti elágazás stop), approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. This is the most convenient public transport option. Check schedules at menetrendek.hu.
By Car: From Budapest, take the M3 motorway to Hatvan, then Road 21 north toward Salgótarján. At Mátraverebély, turn left following signs to Szentkút (5 km). Total distance 90 km, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. From Eger, 50 km (45 minutes) via regional roads through the Mátra mountains. From Gyöngyös, 30 km (35 minutes). Free parking at the shrine.
On Foot: The Országos Kéktúra (National Blue Trail), Hungary's oldest long-distance hiking path, passes through the shrine complex on Section 19. The Blue Trail connects Mátraverebély train station to the shrine (5.1 km).
📚 Further Reading
Books:
István Zombori (ed.), A Thousand Years of Christianity in Hungary — Exhibition catalog from the Vatican Museums and Hungarian National Museum documenting Hungarian Catholic history, pilgrimage sites, and religious art across a millennium.
Kenneth Baxter Wolf, The Life and Afterlife of St. Elizabeth of Hungary — Scholarly work featuring primary source testimony from the canonization hearings of Hungary's most famous medieval saint. (Oxford University Press, 2011)
Online Resources:
Szentkút Official Website (English) — Comprehensive information on the shrine, pilgrimage calendar, accommodation, and livestreamed Masses.
Hungarian Catholic Church — National church portal with news, parish directories, and pilgrim resources.
🔗 Useful Links
Mátraverebély-Szentkút National Shrine — Official sanctuary website with Mass schedules, pilgrimage calendar, and accommodation booking.
Diocese of Vác — Official website of the diocese responsible for the shrine.
Hungarian Catholic Church — National Catholic portal with English pages.
Visit Hungary — Hungarian national tourism portal with practical travel information.
Mária Út (Way of Mary) — Central European Marian pilgrimage route network connecting shrines from Mariazell to Csíksomlyó, with Szentkút at the heart.
🥾 Pilgrim Routes
Via Mariae (Mária Út) — Hungary's great Marian pilgrimage network connecting shrines from Mariazell in Austria to Csíksomlyó in Transylvania. Szentkút stands at the heart of the cross formed by the route's east-west and north-south axes, making it a natural convergence point for pilgrims walking the 1,350 km main route. mariaut.hu
Országos Kéktúra (National Blue Trail) — Hungary's oldest long-distance hiking trail (established 1938), part of the E4 European Long Distance Path. The trail passes through Szentkút on Section 19, connecting from Mátraverebély train station through the St. Ladislaus Gorge to the shrine complex. Total trail length: 1,172 km from Írott-kő to Hollóháza.
Franciscans Way (Ferences Út, M10) — A 250 km north-south pilgrimage route within the Mária Út network, running from Tatabánya through Esztergom and Szentkút to Abasár. Named for the Franciscan heritage that connects many of its waypoints.
🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
Máriapócs (169 km) — Hungary's Greek Catholic shrine, home to a weeping icon of the Virgin Mary that shed tears in 1696 and 1715. The original icon was taken to St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna.
Banská Štiavnica (81 km) — UNESCO World Heritage mining town in Slovakia with a monumental Baroque Calvary of 24 chapels and stations built between 1744 and 1751.
Nitra (129 km) — One of the oldest Christian centres in Central Europe, where Prince Pribina built the first known Christian church in Slovak territory in 828.
Levoča (131 km) — Slovak pilgrimage town with the Church of St. James containing the world's tallest Gothic wooden altar, carved by Master Paul in 1517.
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska (207 km) — UNESCO-listed Polish pilgrimage complex with 42 chapels recreating the topography of Jerusalem, a favourite pilgrimage of Karol Wojtyła before he became Pope John Paul II.
Zakopane (143 km) — Mountain town at the foot of Poland's Tatra Mountains with distinctive wooden churches and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima at Krzeptówki.
Trnava (166 km) — Known as "Little Rome" for its many churches, Trnava served as the seat of the Hungarian Catholic primate during the Ottoman occupation of Esztergom.
🪶 Closing Reflection
"The Mother of Jesus, glorified in body and soul in heaven, is the image and beginning of the Church as it is to be perfected in the world to come. So too does she shine forth on earth as a sign of sure hope and solace to the people of God during its sojourn on earth." — Second Vatican Council, Lumen Gentium §68, 1964
