Havihegy Chapel, Pecs

The Havihegy Chapel, also known as the Church of Our Lady of the Snows, stands atop Havihegy Hill on the southern side of Mecsek. This Baroque-style chapel was originally built in 1697 as a memorial to the devastating plague that struck the city in 1690–91. The people of Pécs, fulfilling a vow made during the epidemic, manually carried the building materials up the steep Kokas Hill, which was later renamed Havihegy (meaning "Snow Hill") in honor of the church.

Over the years, the chapel has undergone several modifications and restorations. It was expanded in 1710, but a fire in 1711 caused damage, leading to the addition of a bell in 1713 and an organ in 1724. However, another fire in 1780 destroyed the interior, prompting further reconstruction. The original wooden tower was replaced with a distinctive white stone tower crowned by a red dome, which remains one of its defining features.

Inside, the chapel has a simple yet atmospheric wagon-roofed interior with a compact organ loft near the entrance. The main altar, crafted from marble, features an altarpiece that is an authentic copy of the one in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, depicting the Virgin Mary. Flanking the altar are statues of Saint Fox, a protector against the plague, and Saint James of Compostela, the patron saint of pilgrims. The two side altars feature representations of Saint Florian and Saint Sebastian, both revered for their protective roles.

The church has been an important pilgrimage destination, with an annual pilgrimage and farewell celebration held every August 5th in honor of Our Lady of the Snows. This tradition was further reinforced in 1844 when Pope Gregory XVI granted the chapel an indulgence privilege.