History and faith go hand in hand in this territory. From Sárospatak, birthplace of Saint Elizabeth of the Árpád dynasty—one of Europe’s most beloved medieval saints and a symbol of Christian charity—to Vizsoly, where in 1590 the first complete Hungarian translation of the Bible was finished. Every corner holds a story that speaks of devotion, resilience, and hope.
The region is dotted with themed routes that allow visitors to explore this immense spiritual heritage: the Way of Mary, the Way of Saint Elizabeth, the Route of Medieval Churches, and the Footsteps of the Miraculous Rabbis are just some of the options inviting travelers to discover Tokaj’s spiritual treasures with calm and reverence.
One of the most striking places is Máriapócs, the largest pilgrimage center for Byzantine Catholics in Hungary. There, a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary shed tears, an event that transcended borders and whose original icon is now kept in St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna. This sacred site is part of the Way of Mary, a spiritual route connecting Czestochowa (Poland) with Csíksomlyó (Romania), linking revered sacred places of deep popular devotion.
In the Jewish world, the region also offers heritage gems such as the synagogue of Mád, carefully restored and awarded the Europa Nostra prize in 2005—symbolizing the effort to preserve the memory of communities that once flourished in the area.
No less evocative are the Calvinist churches of Upper Tisza, such as those in Tákos and Csaroda, whose sober, austere style conveys a puritan beauty that moves with its spiritual sincerity and connection to the land.
Tokaj also remains synonymous with exceptional wine. Since Pope Pius IV praised the region’s wines during the Council of Trent in 1562 with the famous phrase “Such wines befit the Supreme Pontiff!”, the bond between faith and wine has only grown stronger. In 2023, a local winery produced a wine specially dedicated to Pope Francis, reaffirming a centuries-old tradition in which wine is not only a symbol of celebration, but also of spirituality and communion.
To visit Tokaj is to immerse oneself in a land where wine, faith, and history intertwine into a unique experience. It is to follow in the footsteps of saints, sages, and pilgrims, and to discover the beauty born of respect for diversity and a deep connection to the transcendent.
From the heart of this region, those who know and love it—such as local guide Márta Szegedi, a proud member of the World Network of Religious Tourism—invite travelers to look beyond the wine and discover in each village, each temple, and each story, a corner of the Hungarian soul that remains open to all who seek more than just a postcard. In Tokaj, the spirit is cultivated as much as the vine—and both offer unforgettable fruits to those who approach with curiosity and an open heart.
