The settlements of Báta, Szekszárd, Mohács and Bátaszék were affected by a large-scale development that was implemented by the Diocese of Pécs under an EDIOP project during the European Union 2014-2020 programming period.
The Pretiosus Sanguis has focused on creating a religious tourism network: from the Shrine of the Holy Blood in Báta to the Fluffy Oak in Bátaszék. The project called the complex tourism development of the Shrine of the Holy Blood in Báta. The development was justified due to the increasing attention to the shrine and to the starting points, stations of the related walking pilgrimages in the last decade.
The project initiated by the Diocese of Pécs has affected four settlements: Báta, Szekszárd, Mohács and Bátaszék. The focus was placed on the cultural and religious relationship between the locations. In addition, infrastructural developments were essential. The values of these places were presented with innovative tools, in line with modern expectations and the needs of cultural and religious tourists.
As part of the project, the entire facade of the Church of the Holy Blood, a part of the interior, and the windows were renovated while the interior altar was rebuilt in Báta. The surroundings of the church became neat. The highlight of landscaping was the creation of the new outdoor altar. Furthermore, the parish building next to the church was renovated and partially transformed, so it is now suitable for receiving pilgrims. This contributes to increasing the religious tourism potential of the place.
In Bátaszék, the St. Orbán Chapel was completely renovated both externally and internally. Thanks to that, the Fluffy Oak was preserved which gives attractiveness to the place, and only the most necessary changes were made on the existing building elements. In Mohács, the insulation of the flat roofs in the Pledge Memorial Church was replaced, in addition, a new rainwater drainage system was built, the stone cladding on the facade was repaired and the doors and windows were replaced.
In Szekszárd, the doors and windows of the Downtown church were modernized together with the facade. Apart from that, the stone surfaces were polished, the southern main staircase of the church was replaced, the steeple was renovated, and run-down frescoes were restored. The altar of the Hermit chapel in Szekszárd was repainted, and the auditorium of the outer altar was rebuilt, dismountable benches were put in and frescoes were restored.
Serious technical developments were also happened during religious tourism project. Among other things, they acquired visual displays, electronic devices that provide interactive experiences, and tools for maintenance and operation. The project significantly contributes to displaying Hungarian cultural values while also creating a visitor-friendly environment with innovations and equipment purchases.
The program was implemented in the GINOP-7.1.4-16-2016-00003 project under the Economic Development and Innovation Operational Programme, with EU funding.
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