Kálvária és a kőkeresztek

Gazing up at the three crosses of Kálvária és a kökeresztek, a chilling question arises. What echoes of suffering and redemption linger here? Kálvária és a kökeresztek, nestled above Bécs Road, stands as a testament to centuries of devotion. This Way of the Cross, one of Óbuda’s oldest, winds uphill from Saint Margaret Hospital, guiding pilgrims to the former Trinitarian monastery, now the Kiscelli Museum. The 14 stations begin here, marked by a blue cross. The path continues along Doberdó Road, culminating in the three crosses of Golgotha and the Chapel of the Holy Blood. The Kálvária’s history intertwines with the Kiscelli Museum, built between 1745 and 1758. A statue of the suffering Christ graced the road in the 1770s and 1780s. It was later replaced by the Chapel of the Holy Blood between 1812 and 1814. Two hundred years ago, between 1820 and 1822, the Kálvária and its stations arose, serving Óbuda’s German-speaking community. Three crosses pierce the sky at Kálvária és a kökeresztek. Jesus hangs in the center, flanked by two thieves. Mary and John stand vigil at the foot of Jesus’ cross. Time and elements have taken their toll. The chapel, stations, and statues suffered damage. The chapel’s roof was destroyed by fire on April 17, 1910. Abbot Parish Priest József Sagmüller oversaw repairs. He also addressed damage in 1929. A 1923 newspaper article painted a vivid picture of Kálvária és a kökeresztek. It described two old men in black, hats in hand, murmuring prayers at each station. The article also lamented the loss of the lively Easter Sunday celebrations once held in the meadow below. By the 1930s, the stations’ paint had faded due to rain. The Kálvária, with its weathered charm, still led to the wooden-towered baroque chapel on Doberdó Road. Inside, candles flickered on a small altar, a purple cloth draped over the statue of Christ in the tomb. Restoration efforts breathed new life into Kálvária és a kökeresztek. The Golgotha sculpture saw renovations in 1981 and 1996. The chapel was restored in 2006. Further repairs were needed by the 2010s. A full restoration took place in 2013 and 2014, reviving the sculptures, stations, and original colors. Kálvária és a kökeresztek now stands restored. It continues to draw the faithful, tourists, and hikers. This “old-new jewel” offers a poignant reflection on faith and resilience.