Jasov Monastery

Description

Jasov has the biggest monastery complex in Slovakia and its main church, dedicated to St. John The Baptist, is considered one of the country's most important late-Baroque buildings. Though the present complex dates from the 18th century, there has been a monastery since 1170. The first, probably made 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 levelled again in 18th century to make way for the present Baroque structure.

The current monastery was designed by the architect Anton Pilgram in 1766. The lavishly ornamented interior of the monastic church in Baroque style, the library of monastery, and conserved French garden are especially valuable. The monastery has 365 windows, 12 chimneys and four gates (representing the days, months and seasons of the year).