Zarándok Központ Pilgrimage Center opens its doors in Budapest, an oasis fo

Zarándok Központ Pilgrimage Center opens its doors in Budapest, an oasis for spiritual travelers

15-01-25

The Zarándok Központ Pilgrimage Center, located in Budapest's central Ferenciek Square, was officially inaugurated on December 11 with the aim of becoming a point of reference for pilgrims and pilgrimage organizers. Although its formal opening to the public is scheduled for the first half of 2025, once the renovation works have been completed, the opening ceremony marked an important milestone for religious tourism in Hungary.

The event was attended by Nacsa Lőrinc, State Secretary for National Policies, who underlined the importance of this space as a place of encounter, support and spirituality. As he highlighted, the Center seeks to be an “oasis” where pilgrims can meet, share experiences, receive professional and spiritual assistance, and connect with pilgrimage organizers. The initiative, supported by the government, is aimed primarily at promoting Hungarian pilgrimage routes, both nationally and internationally.

Lőrinc also noted that the choice of location, in the heart of Budapest, is no accident. “The Center is in a strategic place where most people pass by, because this bustling city needs evangelization,” he said, adding that the Christian idea is still at the core of Hungary.

József András Molnár, president of the Viator Association and co-coordinator of the Pilgrimage Center, emphasized that one of the main objectives of the project is to provide information about the various pilgrimage routes, adapting to the needs and wishes of pilgrims. According to Molnár, many people embark on a pilgrimage in search of something more in their lives, and the Center seeks to help them not only on the journey, but also in integrating these spiritual experiences into their daily lives.

Péter Gadácsi, vice-president of the Viator Association and also co-coordinator of the Center, thanked the government for its support and the collaboration of the Franciscan order, which has hosted this initiative in its facilities. In an act charged with symbolism, the Center was blessed by Kálmán Peregrin OFM, director of the Franciscan Church of the Center, who celebrated the creation of this space as a bridge between spirituality and community life.

The main mission of the Zarándok Központ Pilgrimage Center is to provide information about national pilgrimage opportunities, to support pilgrims in their preparation and to foster contacts among them. In addition, the space is designed to serve as a connecting platform between pilgrimage organizers and those responsible for sacred sites, facilitating the exchange of experiences and the promotion of Hungarian routes.

This project also seeks to consolidate religious tourism in Hungary, encouraging both locals and international visitors to explore the country's diverse pilgrimage routes. From historical paths to new routes adapted to today's needs, the Center is positioned as a key player in the revitalization of spiritual tourism.

In addition, the space will offer a community for those returning from their pilgrimages, helping them to find spiritual support and keep alive the transformative experiences of their journey. This holistic vision makes the Zarándok Központ an innovative model for religious tourism, uniting tradition and modernity in the heart of Budapest.

The Center promises to become a beacon for pilgrims from all over the world, reinforcing Hungary's role as a central destination on the religious tourism map.

For further information: Hungarian Coordination at religiousnethungary@gmail.com

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