Premonstratensian Abbey in Jasov / Premonštrátské opátstvo v Jasove (East Slovakia)
N 48° 40.923 E 020° 58.041
34U E 497596 N 5392112
Premonstratensian Abbey in Jasov (Premonštrátské opátstvo v Jasove), founded in 1173, belongs among the oldest and from architectonic and historic point of view the most important Catholic monasteries in Slovakia.
Waymark Code: WMJCKB
Location: Košický kraj, Slovakia
Date Posted: 10/30/2013
Views: 12
Premonstratensian Abbey in Jasov (Premonštrátské opátstvo v Jasove), founded in 1173, belongs among the oldest and from architectonic and historic point of view the most important Catholic monasteries in Slovakia.
Jasov Abbey is the largest monastic complex in Slovakia and the St. John the Baptist church, which forms its centrepiece, is considered one of the Slovakia' most important late-Baroque buildings. Though the present Abbey dates unquestionably from the 18th century, there has been a monastery here since 1173. The first, probably built of wood, was destroyed by the invading Tatars in 1242. A Romanesque stone monastery soon replaced it and was rebuilt in a fortified style in the 15th century. The site was then completely reshaped during the 18th century to make way for the present magnificent Baroque structure. A famous Czech-Austrian Baroque architect, Anton Pilgram, was brought in to design the new church, Austrian artists Johann Lucas Kracker and Johann Anton Krauss painted the interior and created its sculptures respectively.
The abbey, which has 365 windows, 12 chimneys and four gates (representing the days, months and seasons of the year) used to host 150 monks; it now has 5 priests plus the abbot. Indivisible part of monastery complex is formed with monastery French-type ornamental garden. Its Baroque style, with regular disposition was preserved till now, following fully monastery´s architecture. The attention of visitors is captivated with original landscape gardening elements, shaped wooden trees as well as proportionate nest of pavements. To monastery complex belongs also a fountain, placed just opposite monastery church portal. At present, vast reconstruction works are being made, when all such works will be finished, the monastery will become more attractive.
During Communist régime (1948-1989), it was used as an asylum, and some of the doors still bear their institutional labels.