"Hármashalom" altar

In the early nineties, the number of Pentecostal pilgrims increased significantly in Csíksomlyó/Șumuleu Ciuc. The church and the surrounding area could no longer accommodate hundred thousands of pilgrims. According to the ancient tradition, the Pentecost celebration included a procession on the hill of Kissomlyó, which is why the new altar was settled on the saddle between the Nagysomlyó and Kissomlyó mountains.

The so-called "triple hill" altar was designed by Imre Makovecz in 1996, following the request of Father Albert Bartók, the Franciscan householder. According to Makovecz, the Father clearly and precisely described the conception: a triple hill with a double cross to make an altar. He was assisted now and in later modifications by Ernő Bogos, an architect in Miercurea Ciuc, who took a significant role in the planning and construction work.

The “Hármashalom” (“Triple hill”), which served as a model for the altar, is a heraldic element that appeared in the coat of arms of Hungary in the 13th century, and while it originally symbolized the three hills of the Golgota, later became the symbol of the former Hungary’s three highest mountains, Mátra, Tátra and Fátra.

The altar was inaugurated on 24 November 1996, at the Feast of Christ the King. Today it hosts the annual Pentecostal celebration, the Day of the Thousand Szekler Girls and many other events.

On 1st of June 2019, Pope Francis I celebrated Holy Mass at the “Hármashalom” Altar and has given the Golden Rose in honour of the Virgin Mary.