Church of the Pilgrimage of Csíksomlyó

The shrine was built by the Franciscan order at the end of the 15th century in Gothic style, and underwent significant transformations during the Baroque period. The interior of the building is richly decorated, with the centrepiece being the 16th-century statue of the Virgin Mary of Csíksomlyó, one of the largest wooden Madonna statues in the world. For centuries, the statue has been a pilgrimage destination for Hungarian believers from Székely Land and the Carpathian Basin.

The church is closely associated with the annual Csíksomlyó Pilgrimage, held on the Saturday before Pentecost, which is one of the largest Christian walking pilgrimages in the world. Every year, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims set out to strengthen their faith, national unity, and communal solidarity through shared prayers, songs, and presence. The outdoor masses held at the Triple Hill Altar behind the church offer a unique spiritual experience.

The shrine remains an active, vibrant community space, open to worshippers, visitors, tourists, and those interested. It is particularly important for visitors to approach the site with respect and sustainability during pilgrimages and church tours. The surroundings of the church are well-preserved, with an emphasis on pedestrian and public transport access, and hospitality increasingly supports small-scale, community-based values.

The Csíksomlyó shrine is not merely a religious monument but also a symbol of spiritual tourism, community identity, and sustainable value preservation. Visiting it is not just about discovering a historical site but also an opportunity for a deeper connection: between people and faith, community and landscape, past and present.

The shrine and the Pentecost pilgrimage are outstanding examples of sustainable tourism in the Carpathian Basin, as they simultaneously fulfil religious, cultural, and community functions, while visits are fundamentally value-driven rather than consumption-focused. The shrine and its associated pilgrimage site – particularly during the Pentecost pilgrimage – welcome a large number of visitors, yet offer a spiritual framework that prioritises slow, reflective presence, communal experience, and self-restraint. The pilgrimage traditionally relies on walking or public transport, which inherently reduces environmental impact while strengthening local identity and the cultural cohesion of the region.

The role of visitors in sustainability at Csíksomlyó is particularly significant. Responsible pilgrims and tourists respect the sacred space, avoid noisy, mass-consumption practices, and strive for waste-free participation, especially during major festive occasions. Choosing local service providers, accommodation, and artisans contributes to the sustainable operation of the local economy, while preserving the natural environment – the Saddle and the surrounding hillsides – is a shared responsibility. Thus, the Csíksomlyó shrine is not only a centre of faith and tradition but also a model area for religiously inspired, responsible, and community-focused tourism.