Roman Catholic church in Andocs, Minor basilica and parish church in Andocs, Hungary.
The Nagyboldogasszony Basilica in Andocs is a Catholic pilgrimage church that blends Gothic foundations with 18th-century Baroque modifications, featuring a spacious nave and an attached Gothic chapel. The building holds three aisles and several side chapels that expand the interior space and provide multiple areas for worship and prayer.
The site appears in papal records from 1332, indicating an early religious presence, but the current structure took shape through major reconstruction in the 18th century. The consecration of the renovated basilica in 1747 was facilitated by Countess Katalin Széchenyi's support, establishing the church as a significant pilgrimage center.
The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, a devotion that has shaped the place for centuries and remains visible in the way pilgrims interact with the statue. Worshippers continue to leave votive garments as offerings, a custom that connects personal faith to the collective spiritual life of the sanctuary.
The sanctuary is open to visitors year-round and welcomes attendance at regular mass services, with the largest pilgrimage celebration occurring on August 15. It is easier to explore the church and appreciate its details on quieter days outside this major feast day.
The statue of the Virgin Mary is said to have survived the Turkish occupation unharmed, a story that gave the church legendary status and established Andocs as a regional pilgrimage destination. This tradition transformed the sanctuary into a place where believers sought protection and divine favor.
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