Page 19 - Nógrád megye 2019

In sacral places

The people of Nógrád firmly insist on their faith, and the folk

religion is lively among the Palóc people; many of its capti-
vating characteristics are only found here today. Th anks to
their religious spirit, it is no wonder that our county is rich
in sacred places.

The beautiful town of Szécsény is not only famous for the
parliament which elected Francis II Rákóczi as governing

ruler (prince), the fortress, the castle, and the fire tower, but
also the baroque Franciscan church, as its monks and nuns
make it well-known. Visitors entering the sacred space will
have a long-lasting experience.

The not very well-known, but rather old and very beauti-
ful Árpád-era building, the Margaret Chapel is found on
the Karancs, the holy mountain of the Palóc. According to
legends, the original chapel was built by Margaret, daughter
of Béla IV of Hungary, in gratitude and joy for her father’s
escape. Mátraverebély-Szentkút is one of the most visited
pilgrimage places in Hungary. The miracles and legends

connected to the shrine have attracted hundreds of thou-

sands of pilgrims for more than 800 years. And indeed, the
holy place and the miraculous environment help us recon-
cile with God, with other people, and ourselves. Th e guests
arriving here are welcomed by a complex religious tourism
centre of 21st century standard.

The Guarding Great Cross of the Palóc, erected in the 21st
century in Herencsény, proves the religious needs of today’s
people of Nógrád.

There are some unique manifestations of the Palóc folk re-
ligion in Szurdokpüspöki, Maconka, Hollókő, Mohora, and
also in Kalonda, across the border.

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