It is one of the largest pilgrimage sites of the Hungarians, and the Pentecost pilgrimage starts here.
About the place
The Franciscans settled here in the 15th century and built a first Gothic church between 1442 and 1448, with a contribution from John Hunyadi. In 1661 Ottoman and Tatar troops burned the church and the friary. The present Baroque church was begun in 1804 to plans by the architect Konstantin Schmidt, the towers were finished in 1830 and it was consecrated in 1876. In 1948 Pope Pius XII made it a minor basilica.
Inside is the statue of the Virgin and Child, carved from limewood between 1515 and 1520 and 2.27 m tall; pilgrims touch it and kiss its feet. The organ, built in Timișoara in 1931, has 2,824 pipes. On the Saturday before Pentecost, pilgrims walk from here up to the saddle between Șumuleu Mic and Șumuleu Mare for an open-air Mass.
Good to know
- Masses are on Sundays at 8:00, 10:30 and 18:00 and on weekdays at 7:30 and 18:00; visit in between.
- During the Pentecost pilgrimage the town is very crowded: book accommodation early.
- The Salvator Chapel on Șumuleu Mic hill is about 700 m to the east; you can combine the two.
Opening hours
Opening hours are not confirmed. Check the venue's website before you go.