The Benedictine Abbey at Hronský Beňadik was established by monks in 1075 under the patronage of King Géza I. Under the name Monasterium Ecclesia Sancti Benedicti, the abbey subsequently played in important role in the process of Christianisation and the development of culture and education in Slovakia; the Nitra Gospels, the oldest Latin book from the territory of Slovakia, were written here in around 1100.
The former Romanesque basilica was reconstructed in 1346-1375 in the Gothic style. In the 16th century the monks left the abbey and the grounds guarding the access road from the south to the Hron River valley were turned into a fortress against Turks. The abbey itself was fortified and huge circular bastions were added to its more exposed corners. A large Baroque granary to the south of the grounds was built in 1752. The stately twin tower in its present shape dates from the end of the 19th century when the original mass was extended and renovated in the Gothic style.
The grand church of the monastery contains valuable works of art, including a wood carving of the Holy Sepulchre, a wall-painting on the legend of St George, an altar depicting the Passion, a 13th-century sculpture of Jesus Christ, and a 14th-century Madonna sculpture. The abbey was declared a National Cultural Monument in 1945.
Photos and video (www.culturalheritage.sk)
Heritage > National cultural monuments
