Saint Anne Chapels
On top of Mount Cioboteni — a Roman Catholic and an Armenian Catholic chapel
have for centuries proclaimed the coexistence of Székelys and Armenians.
Two chapels above the town
North of the town, on Mount Cioboteni at 1087 metres, stand side by side two small Saint Anne chapels: one Hungarian (Roman Catholic) and one Armenian (Armenian Catholic). For centuries they have stood as landmarks above Gheorgheni, proclaiming the centuries-old coexistence and solidarity of the two Catholic-rite communities — the Székelys and the Armenians.
The chapels not only catch the eye of distant visitors, but have also been a beloved pilgrimage site for many people of Gheorgheni and the surrounding area, from ages past to the present day. In former times on Rogation Days, today on the Easter vigil and on Saint Anne's Day (26 July), religious services are held here.
The Holy Wednesday torchlight Way of the Cross, revived in 2004 by the Armenian Catholic parish, draws more pilgrims year after year. Pilgrims and hikers regularly pause within the cool walls of the chapels — and the magnificent Gheorgheni landscape invites contemplation.
The two chapels on the summit of Mount Cioboteni · local source
The chapels one by one
Roman Catholic chapel
The chapel of the Hungarian SzékelysOrigins: according to some sources it was built as early as the 13th century and later given a Baroque appearance. The present building took its shape in 1678 — it was erected in thanksgiving after the great plague epidemics by the 700 surviving inhabitants of Gheorgheni (then still a village).
- 📅 Standing in its present form since 1678
- 💀 Built in memory of the plague
- 🎉 26 July pilgrimage feast since ancestral times
Armenian Catholic chapel
The chapel of the Armenian communityIt has stood on Mount Cioboteni since 1746 — built by the Armenian community of Gheorgheni 78 years after the mass settlement. In 2018–2019 it underwent a thorough restoration: the roof was replaced, walls were repainted inside and out, a new stone floor was laid and an impressive new door installed. The original altarpiece, discovered among objects destined for disposal, was returned after the restoration.
- 📅 Standing since 1746
- 🔨 2018–19: thorough restoration
- 🎨 Original altarpiece saved and returned
Saint Anne — grandmother of Jesus
Saint Anne is the grandmother of Jesus — according to Christian tradition, the mother of the Virgin Mary and wife of Joachim. The depth of her veneration in Gheorgheni is shown by the fact that both Roman Catholics and the faithful of the Armenian Christian Church raised chapels side by side on Mount Cioboteni.
In recent years the Saint Anne feast has gained a deeper meaning: during the pilgrimage at the chapels, grandmothers — and grandparents in general — are honoured. Alongside pilgrims from the town, guests arriving from Móricgát (Hungary) prepare the traditional gizzard-stew agape, with which every pilgrim is welcomed to a warm lunch.
Climbing Mount Cioboteni
Stations of the Way of the Cross on the path to Mount Cioboteni · local source
You can climb the mountain by several routes (cart tracks), but it is worth choosing the well-trodden Chapel Street — even its name speaks for itself. The red cross trail marking guides you all the way.
The path is also a Way of the Cross, consecrated in 2012. Along its stations, the locals walk singing and praying during the Saint Anne pilgrimage. At every station we can reflect on the Passion of Christ.
The view from beside the chapels takes in the entire Gheorgheni Basin — the surrounding mountains and the town's red-tiled houses. Moreover, in spring, orchids bloom on the nearby hills — many wild species.
💡 Local tip: Just before turning into Chapel Street, on the corner there is a small shop selling mouth-wateringly delicious potato bread. Anyone passing through really must try it!
Religious services on the mountain
Holy Wednesday torchlight Way of the Cross
On the Wednesday evening before Easter. As a revival of an ancient tradition, the Armenian Catholic parish has organised it regularly since 2004 — it draws more pilgrims year after year.
Easter vigil
The Easter night liturgy — the celebration of the Resurrection at the chapels. An ancient tradition on Mount Cioboteni.
Saint Anne's Day pilgrimage
26 July · The main pilgrimage feast. The processions set out at 9 a.m., Holy Mass is celebrated at noon, followed by the Móricgát gizzard-stew agape. Honouring of the grandmothers.
Pictures from Mount Cioboteni
Photo sources: local sources
Four-language information panel (2025)
On 26 July 2025 a four-language information panel (Hungarian, Romanian, English, Armenian) was unveiled on the wall of the Armenian chapel during the Saint Anne pilgrimage Mass. The panel was commissioned by the Association of Hungarian Armenians of Transylvania, with the support of Archbishop Gergely Kovács of Alba Iulia and the Harghita County Council.
The text of the panels was compiled by Armenian Catholic parish priest Hunor Gál, based on the research of Dezső Becsek Garda and his own research. The blessing was performed by József Lukács, a Hungarian priest of Gheorgheni origin serving in Cologne — with the participation of the Armenian Catholic parish choir and the honour guard of the Vörösköpönyegesek (Red Cloaks).
Useful information
Location
- Place: Mount Cioboteni
- North of Gheorgheni
- GPS: 46.7484° N, 25.6139° E
- Elevation: 1087 m
Getting there
- Route: from Chapel Street
- Marking: red cross
- Duration: approx. 1–1.5 hours
- Stations of the Way of the Cross along the route
When
- Open to visit all year round
- Spring: orchids in the area
- Pilgrimage feast: 26 July
- Entry: FREE
Tips
- Potato bread at the corner of Chapel Street
- Morning hours: clearer panorama
- On pilgrimage day: gizzard-stew agape
- Bring water with you