„Diversa sanctorum limina visitare”. Fenomenul pelerinajelor în Ungaria medievală
“Diversa sanctorum limina visitare”. The Phenomenon of Pilgrimages in Medieval Hungary

Summary/Abstract: Pilgrimage is one of the oldest religious traditions in human history, existing in all major religions. It is still the most characteristic manifestation of religious life today. This devotional journey was closely connected with another basic experience of popular religiosity, the cult of saints and relics. Behind them was the belief that God works miracles through the mediation of the saint, at his intercession. This is why pilgrims in the Middle Ages set out on their journeys; they believed that divinity would manifest itself in certain specific places and that they could experience God’s presence more effectively in those places considered holy since early on. In the Middle Ages, different terms were used for pilgrimages made for different reasons. People usually went on pilgrimages for three reasons: of their own free will, due to a vow, or out of penance. Nevertheless, the classic, pure basic type of pilgrimage can be considered only the pious pilgrimage. In the medieval period, holy pilgrimages were distinguished from each other according to their importance. Pilgrimages to the Holy Land, Rome and Santiago de Compostela were major pilgrimages (peregrinations maiores), while all other journeys to places of less importance in the history of Christianity were considered minor pilgrimages (peregrinations minores). The study aims to present the pilgrims from the medieval Kingdom of Hungary, more specifically from its eastern part, Transylvania, who set out for the three most important pilgrimage sites. Following the early beginnings, the period from the 13th to the 15th centuries can be considered the revival of medieval pilgrimages. The possibility of obtaining full or partial indulgence at the chosen sanctuary contributed greatly to this. Equipped with broad brimmed hats, cloaks, staffs and satchels (or wallets, or scripts), the pilgrims could be easily recognised as typical figures of the Middle Ages. But who were those who set out and why? What preparations did they make? How did they travel? How did they get information and communicate? What rites characterized the individual places of worship? By answering these and similar questions, we aim to present the phenomenon of medieval pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Hungary, using the last wills and testaments as our main sources.

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