Doors of Benedictine Archabbey of Pannonhalma Hungary

Following our visit to Gyor, our attention turned to Pannonhalma Abbey, an esteemed UNESCO World Heritage Site situated approximately twenty kilometers south of Gyor. The abbey’s architectural splendor reflects a harmonious blend of different styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque elements. In this blog I have focussed on the doors of the abbey, basilica and its impressive library.

Pannonhalma Abbey, located in Hungary, is a historic and cultural treasure that houses a thousand-year-old monastery, which currently serves as Hungary’s top secondary school. With over 300 students residing within its premises, the abbey holds significant importance as a spiritual and educational hub within the country.

Pannonhalma Abbey stands as an essential spiritual and cultural center within Hungary. It attracts both pilgrims seeking solace and tourists eager to discover its historical and architectural wonders.

Pannonhalma Archabbey Hungary

Pannonhalma Archabbey Hungary

Doors of Pannonhalma Archabbey Hungary are exquisitely carved and has some unique designs and themes. The beautiful doors of Benedictine Abbey held my attention before I made a tour of it. There are 2 at its entrance.

Monastery of the Benedictine Order at Pannonhalma was founded in 996AD. The massive structure dominates the Pannonian landscape in western Hungary. Millenary Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma and its Natural Environment was include in list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1996.

Doors and door handles have always fascinated me and they are definitely a subject for my photography always.

Doors of Pannonhalma Archabbey Hungary

This is the main entrance it seemed, but we did not get entry through this. There was yet another beautiful door through which we got access to the interiors. This ornate door belongs to 13th century. That particular day at Abbey, it was bright and sunny. The various statues on the arch of the door were throwing their own shadows.

Door at Pannonhalma Abbey entrance

Peacock in the arch above the door

For the first during my tour of European countries I saw a sculpted peacock on door frame. It reminded me of the ones I saw in Jaipur. In doors of India peacocks are a common theme in their art and design.

Peacock in Abbey - Doors of Abbey in Pannonhalma Hungary

Sheep are common symbols in both mythology and religion. The sculpted forms of sheep were cutely lined up over the arch. The metal door had forms and figures which depicted various mythological and religious characters and stories. The whole door made a beautiful picture.

Door of St Martin’s Basilica Pannonhalma Hungary

Door of St Martin’s Basilica Pannonhalma Hungary

Door Arch of St Martin’s Basilica Pannonhalma

Door Arch of St Martin’s Basilica Pannonhalma

Door inside St Martin’s Basilica Pannonhalma

This ornate door is inside St Martin’s Basilica in the Abbey. There are five sets of pillions on each side and carved arches above it with a story telling picture. This was made in 13th century.

Rich decorated door entrance at Pannonhalma abbey

Door at Abbey entrance

I faintly remember the guide narrating the story of this painting on the arch of the door. The prince on horse cuts a piece of his robe to give to the man seeking it.

Arch over the door - Doors of Abbey in Pannonhalma Hungary

Majestic door

Door in the Library of Pannonhalma Archabbey

This library is the latest addition to abbey. Construction of this library was completed as recently as early 19th century. Tiling and paneling around the door has a modern touch to it. Nevertheless it has beauty, elegance and class!

Door in the Library of Pannonhalma Abbey
One can get access to the interiors only if they take the guided tours. Guided tours are conducted every hour in English and local language alternately. We first watched a short movie on the life of monastic community there and history of this abbey; later a young student from the monastery guided us around telling us stories and significance of the place. The monastery is as old as Hungary itself; that makes it all the more a “precious heritage site”.

Timings of Pannonhalma Archabbey

Timings are different during 4 quarters of the year. Closed on Mondays through out the year.
21st March to 31st May: 9 AM to 4 PM.
1st June to 30th September: 9 AM to 5 PM.
1st October to 10th November: 9 AM to 4 PM.
11th November to 20th March: 10 AM to 3 PM.

There are guided tours in English and Hungarian Language, you can choose any one and the accompanying guide explains all.

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