(On the Journey to Aachen. Hungarian Pilgrim Cross in Andernach)

Abstract: The study deals with the forked “Y-cross” from the 14th century which is now in the inventory of the Roman Catholic parish church of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Mariendom) in Andernach. The town became the main assembly point of Hungarian pilgrims heading for Aachen or Cologne (Kőln am Rhein). Andernach is situated near the Middle Rhine stretch and pilgrims here were provided with free accommodation, sanitation and feeding from the 14th up to 18th centuries. Pilgrims, even from the Slovak part of the empire, were very thankful for that to citizens of Andernach. They are said to keep in the church crosses and flags that were later carried in processions. The unique gothic forked cross with the crucified Christ set the tone for a depiction of Saviour in the 14th century. Regarding the sacral relic, we do not know answers to basic questions. We do not know anything about its origin and background or fate. Therefore, we will seek answers for three basic questions: Why did Hungarian pilgrims assemble exactly in Andernach? What is the genesis of the Hungarian cross, respectively can we historically document its origin based on available sources? Can we determine its provenance based on typical features of its artistic style and details of its creation?

Authors: Nemeš, Jaroslav

DOI: 10.17846/CL.2020.13.1.83-101

Publication order reference: doc. Mgr. Jaroslav Nemeš, PhD.; Department of Mediamatics and Cultural Heritage, Faculty of Humanities, University of Žilina, Univerzitná 8215/1, 010 26 Žilina, Slovakia; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Source: Konštatínove listy, 2020, vol.: 13, issue: 1, pages: 83-101 (PDF file)

Keywords: HISTORY, ANDERNACH, AACHEN, PILGRIMS AND PILGRIMAGE, GOTHIC CROSS, SACRAL ART

Language: SLOVAK