The Fertőrákos Mithraeum
Near Sopron, next to the B10 cycle path connecting Fertőrákos and Fertőmeggyes (Mörbisch), you can find an ancient temple dedicated to the cult of the Persian God of Sun, Mithras.
Its creation can be attributed to legionaries of Persian origin, who built it in the 3rd century AD. Temples of Mithras were built according to uniform principles throughout the Roman Empire, embedded in the ground or built in caves, the central element of which is the Mithras relief carved into rock. From the 4th century the temple was not used, the cult and its place were forgotten in the vicinity of Sopron. It was rediscovered in 1866, at about the same time it was found by Ferenc Storno Jr. and György Malleschitz, a stone carver from Fertőmeggyes. The cave was excavated by Ferenc Storno Sr. and under his direction a protective building was built above the depiction of the bull-killing God of Sun. With the construction of the Iron Curtain, the temple, located directly in the border zone, became inaccessible, and its condition continuously deteriorated.
In 1989, with the break-through of the Iron Curtain at the nearby Piuszpuszta, it could be visited again, and a border crossing point closed for car traffic was even set up next to it. In 1992, a protective building was constructed and from mid-April to the end of September it awaits those who are interested in mystical adventures.
You can find out more about the opening hours of the sanctuary and guided tours at www.mithras.hu.
OPENING HOURS
April 15-May 15
Friday-Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
May 16-August 31
Monday: closed
Tuesday-Sunday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
September 1-September 30
Friday-Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Groups (from 10 peoples) can visit the sanctuary outside of opening times by prior arrangement.
