Șumuleu Ciuc (Franciscan Monastery)
About Șumuleu Ciuc (Franciscan Monastery)
Șumuleu Ciuc (Csíksomlyó in Hungarian) is a district of the city of Miercurea Ciuc, at the foot of two hills, Șumuleu Mare and Șumuleu Mic. Between 1442 and 1448 the Franciscans built a Gothic church and a small monastery here, with the support of John Hunyadi, from the spoils of his battles with the Ottomans. The church is dedicated to the Visitation of the Virgin Mary to Elizabeth. The stone walls around it sheltered the local people during raids, but in 1661 an Ottoman and Tatar incursion set fire to the church and the monastery. Tradition says the statue of the Virgin was left untouched.
The monastery was also a centre of culture: the friars' school ran from the 17th century, and in 1675 Ioan Căianu (Kájoni János) founded the printing press here that produced the „Cantionale catholicum”, a collection of church hymns. Today's church, in the Baroque style, was begun in 1804 to plans by the architect Konstantin Schmidt; the towers were finished in 1830 and the church was consecrated on 20 August 1876. It has held the rank of minor basilica since 1948. In 2025 its roof and façades were renewed.
The statue of the Virgin and Child on the high altar was carved in lime wood in the Renaissance style around 1510–1515 by an unknown artist. It is 2.27 m tall and is considered the largest known pilgrimage statue. In 1798 the bishop of Transylvania recognised it as miraculous. On 1 June 2019 Pope Francis celebrated Mass on the hill beside the church and presented the shrine with the Golden Rose.
What you can see
The white façade with its two towers and the copper statue of Mary, from 1837, can be seen from afar, above the houses of the district. Inside, the nave is painted (1911), with side altars and a pulpit made in the 1830s by the Brașov painter and sculptor Papp Miklós, stained glass from 1905 and an organ from 1931 with 2,824 pipes. The statue of the Virgin stands at the centre of the high altar, between Saint Stephen and Saint Ladislaus; votive plaques left by pilgrims line the walls. Beside the church is the monastery cloister, and in front of it the chapel of Saint John.
From behind the monastery, a path climbs Șumuleu Mic, past the Chapel of the Suffering Jesus, to the Salvator Chapel on the summit. Below, in the Saddle between the two hills, stands the open-air altar known as the Three Hills Altar, built in 1996 to plans by the architect Makovecz Imre.
Good to know
The pilgrimage takes place every year on the Saturday before Catholic Pentecost. Tradition links it to 1567, when the Székelys of Ciuc defended their Catholic faith. The processions set off from the church towards the Saddle, where Mass is celebrated in the open air. Since 1993 the service has been held there, as the pilgrims no longer fit in the square. In 2025 more than 330,000 people came. That weekend, the roads in the area are closed to cars and the church is very crowded. For the rest of the year, the church is open for services and prayer. No visiting schedule is published.
Information verified on 21 October 2026.
- The statue of the Virgin and Child, carved in lime wood and 2.27 m tall, on the high altar.
- The votive plaques left by pilgrims on the walls beside the altar.
- The 1931 organ, with 2,824 pipes, one of the finest in Transylvania.
- The Three Hills Altar in the Saddle between Șumuleu Mare and Șumuleu Mic, where the Pentecost Mass is held.
- The Salvator Chapel on the top of Șumuleu Mic hill, with a view over the Ciuc Depression.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: Șumuleu Ciuc is about 3 km north-east of the centre of Miercurea Ciuc; from the centre, follow Strada Szék to the church. Miercurea Ciuc is about 100 km from Brașov, on the DN11 and DN12, and about 150 km from Târgu Mureș, via Gheorgheni. On the pilgrimage weekend, the streets around the church are closed to cars.
Public transport: Miercurea Ciuc has a station on the Brașov – Siculeni – Deda railway line and buses from Brașov and Târgu Mureș. From the town to the church it is about 3 km, around 45 minutes on foot, or you can take a taxi.
- Where to park
There are a few small free car parks beside the church and the monastery. They fill up quickly on days with major services. On the Pentecost pilgrimage weekend, the roads in the area are closed to cars from Friday evening, and pilgrims' coaches and cars have separate designated areas, as directed by the town hall.
- Fees & discounts
Entry to the church is free. The monastery accepts donations for the upkeep of the shrine.
- Rules
The church is a place of worship in use: quiet and modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) are expected, and there are no visits during Mass. Photography inside should be discreet, without flash, and not during services. At the pilgrimage, follow the instructions of the organisers and volunteers.
- Facilities
Sunday (10:30) and weekday (18:00) Masses are streamed live on the shrine's YouTube channel · good mobile signal
Frequently asked questions about Șumuleu Ciuc (Franciscan Monastery)
- How much is a ticket to Șumuleu Ciuc (Franciscan Monastery)?
- Admission to Șumuleu Ciuc (Franciscan Monastery) is free (place of worship, donations). Entry to the church is free. The monastery accepts donations for the upkeep of the shrine.
- How long does a visit to Șumuleu Ciuc (Franciscan Monastery) take?
- A visit to Șumuleu Ciuc (Franciscan Monastery) takes about ½ – 1 hours (with the climb to the Saddle, 2–3 hours).
- Can you visit Șumuleu Ciuc (Franciscan Monastery) with kids?
- Yes, Șumuleu Ciuc (Franciscan Monastery) is suitable for children (easy climb to the Saddle).
- Where can I park at Șumuleu Ciuc (Franciscan Monastery)?
- There is free parking at Șumuleu Ciuc (Franciscan Monastery) (by the church). There are a few small free car parks beside the church and the monastery. They fill up quickly on days with major services. On the Pentecost pilgrimage weekend, the roads in the area are closed to cars from Friday evening, and pilgrims' coaches and cars have separate designated areas, as directed by the town hall.
- How do I get to Șumuleu Ciuc (Franciscan Monastery)?
- Șumuleu Ciuc (Franciscan Monastery) is located at Strada Szék 148, Șumuleu Ciuc district, Miercurea Ciuc, Harghita County. By car: Șumuleu Ciuc is about 3 km north-east of the centre of Miercurea Ciuc; from the centre, follow Strada Szék to the church. Miercurea Ciuc is about 100 km from Brașov, on the DN11 and DN12, and about 150 km from Târgu Mureș, via Gheorgheni. On the pilgrimage weekend, the streets around the church are closed to cars. Public transport: Miercurea Ciuc has a station on the Brașov – Siculeni – Deda railway line and buses from Brașov and Târgu Mureș. From the town to the church it is about 3 km, around 45 minutes on foot, or you can take a taxi.
- When is the best time to visit Șumuleu Ciuc (Franciscan Monastery)?
- The best season for Șumuleu Ciuc (Franciscan Monastery): All year round (very crowded at Pentecost).
Reviews
Other attractions nearby
The closest attractions to Șumuleu Ciuc (Franciscan Monastery), sorted by distance.
4 km from Șumuleu Ciuc (Franciscan Monastery)
14 km from Șumuleu Ciuc (Franciscan Monastery)
