Basilica of the Virgin Mary

There are two founding legends associated with Szentkút, the first is about the mute shepherd boy who starts digging at the word of the appearing Virgin Mary and his muteness is overcome by the water of the spring (we can see this in the picture above the altar), the second is about Saint Ladislaus, who fought with the Cumans, but his thirsty army had nothing to drink when he, as the second Moses, touched the rock with his spear, where water gushed out (we can also see this in the fresco on the ceiling of the church). Another special feature of the church is the “dressing Mary” statue from the 1600s, carved from linden wood. She is still dressed up according to the liturgy to this day. Another interesting feature is the silver offerings on the altar, which are the predecessors of today’s thanksgiving tablets.

The Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady of Szentkút is a Roman Catholic national shrine in Hungary. The shrine, which has been elevated to the rank of Basilica Minor, belongs to Mátraverebély, but stands on the border of the settlement of Szentkút. According to tradition, in 1091, the Cumans pursuing Saint Ladislaus forced the king into a valley, who reached a precipice, but from there it was hopeless to continue. At that time, he jumped over the precipice with his horse and, according to legend, a spring of water gushed out from the horseshoes, a healing spring. In 1700, Pope Clement XI had some miraculous healings at Szentkút investigated and accepted their authenticity. Today, approximately 200,000 pilgrims visit the shrine annually.

The legend of the shrine is connected to King Saint Ladislaus, who fled from his enemies when a spring emerged here. János Almásy built the church out of gratitude for his healing and in 1970 it was granted the rank of basilica minor. Since 2006, Szentkút has been a National Shrine, the most significant pilgrimage site in the country.

The St. Ladislaus spring is located at the visitor center, there is a legend about it. The basilica minor is in the center, and next to it there is an open-air altar. Many things are on an area of several hectares. There were not many people, we were there on a weekday afternoon.

Amazing place. Beautiful pilgrimage site. Holy well. Hotel at the perfect level. You will find peace and quiet here. The food is perfect and you won't even eat the portions. Huge portions.