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
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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!
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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Amazing door, awesome details, so nice!
Indrani, we should link this to this coming Monday's Monday Doorways post that «Louis» hosts.
He would also welcome your contributions to Sunday Bridges.
Stunning & exquisitely sculpted/ molded doors. Aren't these metal? Great pics.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2012.
Amazing doors… Reminded me of my Rajasthan trip where we have the most magnificient doors…
excellent creation…
thanks
The door tells an amazing set of stories. Gorgeous.
Oh, yes, I love the small shadows, and the sheep are a lovely sight on such door!
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie’s Guide to Adventurous Travel
It is a lovely door with lots of detail. So many motifs, each telling a story.
Exquisite decorations on this door!
I am also fascinated by doors.
lovely phototgraphs ..
Bikram's
These doors must be made by people who were very patient, loving and skilful. Thanks for showing them.
great shots 🙂
Hi Indrani. The doors are beautiful and the details are wonderful. Great photos! Happy Holidays!
Hi Indrani. The doors are beautiful and the details are wonderful. Great photos! Happy Holidays!
What an artwork !
Very Nice..!
Such a lovely and very detailled door!
Beautiful door. The sculptures on them are interesting.
magnificent!
Lovely ..
good shots of ancient iconography
Aloha from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral
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What a great door. I love the details on it.
Congrats Ind, in case you have missed my comment on the earlier post! you are my choice for the "versatile blogger" Award…http://ashokism.blogspot.com/2011/12/versatile-blogger.html
Terrific captures, beautiful doors, interesting history and another wonderful look at your world, Indrani! I do love the bas-reliefs! Hope you have a lovely evening and a beautiful tomorrow!
Sylvia
Very nice doors….good photo's Indrani
greetings, Joop
Great door, we can enjoy this nice photo of the bas-reliefs.