St Mary Magdalene Church (Hévíz, Egregy)

The tower has three storeys with twin windows, topped by a shingled spire reinforced with eight wooden beams. Built from sandstone, the church has undergone several restorations over time but still retains its medieval form. Its wall paintings reflect folk motifs, the altar is adorned with a medieval cross, and beneath the tower, a fragment of a Romanesque baptismal font can be seen.

The building's unique atmosphere is enhanced by its location at the intersection of energy lines, offering not only a historical but also a spiritual experience. The church's opening hours vary seasonally:

• 1 April – 30 September: 8:00–19:00

• 1 October – 31 March: 8:00–16:00

The Egregy church is a unique treasure not only from an architectural perspective but also in terms of its sacred and cultural significance. It is a protected historic monument that survived the Ottoman period – perhaps because it was used solely as a cemetery chapel for a long time after the village was abandoned.

A Pilgrimage Path Embraced by Nature

The Egregy Calvary is a 300-metre-long pathway with 14 stations, featuring a 23.5-metre elevation – roughly equivalent to the height of an eight-storey building – leading towards the Árpád-era church. The path winds charmingly along the hillside, accompanied by shady trees, rest areas, and a design that exudes natural harmony.

The stations are adorned with works by Tibor Túri Török, and at the end of the Way of the Cross, a wooden cross and a stone sculpture symbolising an empty tomb commemorate Christ's resurrection. The route leads to the northern side of the 13th-century Romanesque church, offering both spiritual and historical experiences.

The Calvary can be explored on foot, by bicycle, by car, or as part of a guided tour. The city sightseeing electric minibus also allows visitors to discover other sacred sites in Hévíz.

The St Mary Magdalene Church in Egregy contributes to the sustainable development of the region primarily through the preservation of built heritage and its low-impact, landscape-integrated use. Operating as a churchyard and a quiet visitor site, it encourages reflective, slow-paced exploration rather than mass events, thereby supporting the long-term protection of cultural values and minimising environmental impact. Visitors can also contribute to sustainability by approaching the site on foot or by bicycle, respecting the heritage environment and rules of quiet use, and combining their visit with local services – such as Egregy’s hospitality venues and producers. In this way, visiting the church can be not only a cultural experience but also a conscious, value-driven tourism choice in Hévíz.