Does the wind feel strong up here on Szél-hegy? The name “Szél-hegyi Golgota” or Wind Hill Golgotha reflects this windy location. The Solymári kálvária offers a peaceful retreat. It is also exposed to the elements.
Solymári kálvária is not just a landmark. It’s a journey through faith and history. We stand on a hill overlooking Solymár. This kálvária replaces an older one largely destroyed. It invites reflection.
The village of Solymár has seen many changes. The name Solymár first appeared in 1266. It likely means “falconer”. Royal falconers probably lived here. After the Ottoman Empire’s advance, Solymár was deserted by 1580.
New settlers arrived around 1700. Serbians and Bulgarians came first. They were escaping the Ottomans. Soon, Bavarian immigrants followed. The monarchy recruited them. They promised them religious freedom. These Danube Swabians maintained their traditions. They called the village Schaumar in German.
After World War II, many ethnic Germans were deported. This was a collective punishment. Ethnic Hungarians from other areas then occupied the empty houses. Refugees from Transylvania also arrived. Today, ethnic Germans are a minority.
The Golgota Foundation consecrated this new Stations of the Cross in 1999. This replaced Solymár’s earlier kálvária. The thirteen stations encircle the hill. They lead to three crosses at the summit. A steep staircase descends to the fourteenth station. This station is in an artificial cave. The path then returns to the starting point.
The stations are usually empty. During Easter, they display Ruman Sándor’s sculptures. The Solymári Civil Guard protects the site during the holiday. This prevents damage.
Before you is not just a spiritual site. It also has a unique natural environment. The spring bloom of the lady’s-slipper orchid is amazing. The panoramic views are stunning on clear days.
The lady’s-slipper orchid blooms in March and April. This protected plant adds color to Szél-hegy’s slopes. Please admire and photograph it. But do not disturb it. Its value is 10.000 Ft.
The Solymári kálvária offers stunning views any time of year. You can see Pilisvörösvár and Pilisszentiván. Kevély and Pilis-tető are also visible.
Looking down from the hill you can see a small lake. It is part of Pilisvörösvár. Following the “kiserdő” path from Szél-hegy station leads to Cigány-tó. Four more lakes are nearby.
Seres István wrote about Solymár’s history. He suggests a small chapel once stood on the hilltop. It was likely destroyed during the construction of trenches. In the 1990s, graves from the time of the Hungarian Conquest were found here.
The Solymári kálvária on Szél-hegy combines history faith and natural beauty. Take a moment to appreciate the view. Remember the stories of those who came before. The 15th station of Resurrection is located a kilometer away at the Catholic church.