One of the most beautiful libraries in the world - Millenary Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma and its Natural Environment 758; Folk art of the Matyó, embroidery of a traditional community 00633
What and Why
The Benedictine Pannonhalma Archabbey (Hungarian: Pannonhalmi Főapátság) is a mediaeval building in Pannonhalma, and is one of the oldest historical monuments in Hungary. Founded in the late 10th century CE by Prince Géza (né Géza Árpád), it almost immediately became the centre of the Benedictine order. Saint Martin of Tours (Latin: Sanctus Martinus Turonensis) who is one of the most important saints in Christianity, is believed to have been born at the foot of this hill, hence its former name, Mount of Saint Martin (Márton-hegy). This is the second largest territorial abbey in the world, after the one in Monte Cassino near Rome (Italian: Roma).
Its sights include the basilica, the cloisters, the monumental library, the Baroque refectory. Today there are about 50 monks living in the monastery.
In July 2011 CE, the heart of former Crown Prince of Austria-Hungary (Osztrák-Magyar) Otto von Habsburg's, of Habsburg family fame, was buried in the arch-abbey, while his body was buried in the family crypt in Vienna (German: Wien).
Toponymy
Pannonhalma derives from the stem pannon- which comes the Pannonia region during the Roman Empire (Latin: Imperium Romanum). The word itself comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *pen-, meaning wet. The stem -halma means a mount or heap in old Hungarian.
See
Basilica
There is a crucifix statue at the entrance courtyard.
As in other historical cathedrals, the abbey was built piece by piece and the main Gothic-styled basilica was built in the 14th century CE. The main entrance or the ticket office is located in a small entrance at the forted basement.
The plan of the abbey.
The cloister.
The main basilica tower.
Inside the basilica we witnessed the prayers of the monks. Photography not allowed.
Library
Once you enter the library, you will be stunned by its majestic beauty. As an academic who lives in a library, I have to say this is by far the most beautiful library I have ever seen. The library is actually one of the latest to complete in the complex, in the 19th century CE.
Linguistically, the library preserves the oldest surviving document to use the modern Hungarian language, the Charter of the Tihany Benedictine Abbey (Latin: Carta de Abbatia de Tihany), dating back to 1055 CE, although the larger part of the document is still written in Latin. The library contains 360,000 volumes of books.
The view from the abbey.
Millennium Memorial
In order to celebrate the millennium of the Magyars' settlement in 896 CE, seven monuments were erected in the Carpathian Mountain Basin in 1896 CE, together with the Millennium Exposition. One of them is in Pannonhalma.
Buy and Do
Matyó embroidery (Matyó hímzés)
Along the way, we came across some kind of traditional parade, wearing the traditional Hungarian dress, as below. We have seen this red dress in the Budapest dance houses (táncház) event the day before.
This particular red dress and special embroidery comes from an ethnic group called the Matyó, located in the northeastern part of Hungary. The most well-known pattern or motif is the red peony (matyórózsa), although other motifs like tulip, leaves, hearts, and birds are equally common. Classic Matyó embroideries are usually sewn on black or white cloth giving it an almost ominous appearance. While this comes from a small region of Hungary this special embroidery has become symbolic of the nation and is now enlisted as an ICH.
Eat and Drink
Wine (Bor)
One should not be surprised that the surrounding region is actually quite famous for winemaking and such practice has started since the establishment of the abbey. The abbey giftshop has a good varieties of Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, and the more local wine Ezerjó and Sárfehér, plus the ice-wine version of these brands. There are a number of wineries at Monte Saint Martin.
Getting There and Around
We drove, but there are buses from Győr right to the abbey. The entrance fee to the archabbey is HUF 2400 Ft. A good morning visit.
UNESCO Inscriptions
The first Benedictine monks settled here in 996. They went on to convert the Hungarians, to found the country's first school and, in 1055, to write the first document in Hungarian. From the time of its founding, this monastic community has promoted culture throughout central Europe. Its 1,000-year history can be seen in the succession of architectural styles of the monastic buildings (the oldest dating from 1224), which still today house a school and the monastic community.
The folk art of the Roman Catholic Matyó community in and around the town of Mezőkövesd in north-eastern Hungary is characterized by floral motifs that are found in flat-stitch embroidery and ornamented objects. Matyó embroidery decorates the traditional dress of the region, worn by local people in celebratory events and in folk dancing and singing. The floral motifs have played a crucial part in strengthening the self-image and identity of the Matyó community and are employed in interior decoration, contemporary fashion and architecture, in addition to embroidery. Community members established the Matyó Folk Art Association in 1991 to transmit the skills of embroidery and organize numerous cultural events and performances. In its Borsóka Embroidery Circle, anyone can learn the art, techniques and motifs of embroidery from experienced masters. In its Folk Dance Ensemble, members wear the finely embroidered traditional costumes, thereby contributing to their perpetuation. The national popularity of Matyó embroidery has made it into a form of auxiliary income, enabling women to buy the fine fabrics and supplies necessary for making elaborate costumes. Most often practised as a communal activity, embroidery strengthens interpersonal relationships and community cohesion, while allowing for individual artistic expression.
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