In 1811 a flood swept a miraculous Maria statue ashore near here. This is the story of the Kővi Szűz Mária templom.
The statue’s discovery near the ancient Roman aqueduct marked a pivotal moment. It became known as Maria am Stein Maria on the Stone. A local master craftsman Bauer Jakab secured the statue. He placed it on a surviving Roman aqueduct pillar.
In 1843 the statue’s protective casing was renewed. A Gothic inscription was added. It read SEE MAN AND VISIT MARY ON THE STONE COME TO ME IN ALL NEEDS AND I WILL BE YOUR COMFORT.
By 1865 a new chapel had been built. It was constructed in the Neo-Romanesque style. Architect József Ziegler oversaw its creation. The chapel featured stained glass windows. These were designed to create a mystical atmosphere. A commemorative plaque records the builder’s names.
The sanctuary holds a painting. It depicts Mary with the Child Jesus. Mary’s tender gesture is captivating. A bronze baptismal font stands nearby. It sits next to a holy water vessel. Both are made from red Piszke marble. Intricate carvings adorn the confessional.
The statues and Stations of the Cross are plaster works. Sculptor János Máriahegyi created them. The church’s original stone crucifix is now located on the side of the building.
The chapel became a popular pilgrimage site. By 1924 it was too small. In 1930 an extension began. The expansion was completed swiftly. The expanded chapel was consecrated on September 8th.
The church’s location repeatedly threatened its existence. City development plans endangered the church. It was almost demolished and rebuilt. Or relocated entirely. Fortunately the Roman foundations protected it from destruction.
The church became independent in 1936. Baptisms began. The church’s name was officially changed to Kővi Mária in 1938. A church board was formed. Marriage records were kept.
In 1943 the church was officially elevated to parish status. It retained Budapest as its patron. Peisz Lajos became its first parish priest.
World War II caused minor damage. The church’s contents survived. The parish house suffered more damage. This was later repaired.
In 1947 the Maria statue underwent restoration. The church’s dilapidated plaster and paint were also repaired. A storm damaged the steeple and cross. These were restored by April 1948. Coins and banknotes were placed in the cross’s orb.
In the 1960s the church underwent significant renovation. Plasterwork was repaired. The roof was fixed. Gutters were replaced and painted. The tower and sacristy received new metal roofs.
The church celebrated its centenary in 1965. Further renovations were completed. The colors of white blue and gold dominated. An oil base protected the walls from dampness.
The original Maria statue was deemed unrestorable. It was placed under glass. A museum-quality replica replaced it. László Papp a church painter was appointed by the archdiocese.
Hungarian Mass replaced Latin in 1971. Electric organ replaced the old harmonium in 1978. The church got heating in 1980. In 1982 the church regained its original title. The altar was also altered.
An extension was built in 1985. New oak pews were installed. The expanded church was blessed in 1989. A parish newsletter KŐVI HÍREK began publication in 1991. A social charity and youth organization was established. In 1999 the church’s building became officially Catholic property.
New altar and statue housing were created by György Markolt. New hard wood collection boxes were also created.
In 2005 the Maria statue was finally restored. Its creation was dated to 1800. The artist’s signature was identified as Paulus. A new men’s choir Schola began in 2006.
The area around the Maria statue was cleaned in 2012. A mosaic replica was created but unfortunately stolen in 2013. A framed photograph now stands in its place. The Kővi Szűz Mária templom stands as a testament to faith. It survives as a place of worship. It represents the enduring spirit of the community.