The Seven Chapels of Vác

The Seven Chapels of Vác and the legend of the Golden Horn

Because of the legends associated with the Seven Chapels and the healing waters of the spring, the area is a popular place for hikers and pilgrims in the city, and the origins of the shrine are linked to the origins of the city of Vác. What's worth knowing about the history of the Seven Chapels?

The princes Géza and László, who were at war with King Solomon, stayed in this area before the Battle of Mogyorod (1074). The future holy king, László, had a vision: an angel descended from heaven and placed the royal crown on Géza's head, signalling that the right to rule belonged to him. Géza vowed that if he won, he would build a temple to the Blessed Virgin. After the victorious battle, they were looking for the site of the church to be built when a stag appeared to them with candles burning on its antlers. He pointed to the site of the church. 

Recovering from a serious illness, a master carpenter from Vác and his family, fulfilling his vow, had a statue of the Virgin Mary of the Valley of Mary erected near the spring near Bratislava. This is how the image came to be known as the Kúti Image. As a result of the soon-to-be-established farewell processions, the image was placed on the main altar of the church erected here. 

In 1769, along the road leading to the chapel, Ferenc Wirth, canon-episcopal vicar of Vác, had the columns of images depicting the seven joys and seven sorrows of Mary erected. This is how the place got its name. Around the crowned shrine on the main altar, under glass, a number of votive offerings mark the intercession of the Virgin Mary, the prayers and miraculous healings. The church was dedicated in Mary's name. 

The waters of the spring bring home many farewell remedies. The usual big fair is held in another part of the town.