Roman Catholic church in Andocs, Minor basilica and parish church in Andocs, Hungary
The Nagyboldogasszony Basilica in Andocs is a large Baroque church painted orange, with a near-square monastery attached to it. Its rear sanctuary was formed by incorporating the 15th-century Gothic chapel, and the symmetrical facade centres on a square tower with three entrances. The high altar holds the 160 cm painted statue of Mary with the Child Jesus, flanked by statues of Saint Agatha and Saint Dorothy from the old chapel's altar.
A Gothic chapel was built at Andocs around 1500 by Pauline friars from nearby Told, and in 1643 Bishop György Jakusics sent Jesuits to the village, where a reputedly miracle-working Mary statue stood. Franciscans arrived in 1716 and began a new monastery in 1725; the foundation stone of the present Baroque church was laid on 25 May 1739, with the old chapel kept as its sanctuary. Bishop Márton Padányi Biró consecrated the finished church on 17 December 1747.
The 160 cm painted statue of Mary has been dressed in changing garments since 1747; today the robe is swapped every two weeks following the liturgical colours. The first mantle was donated by Countess Katalin Széchenyi, and the old robes, along with new ones sent by the faithful every few months, are kept in the museum beside the church.
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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