Benedictine Monasteries in Slovakia and their Heritage Value Cover Image

Benediktínske kláštory na Slovensku a ich pamiatkové hodnoty
Benedictine Monasteries in Slovakia and their Heritage Value

Author(s): Michaela Kalinová
Subject(s): History
Published by: VERBUM - vydavateľstvo Katolíckej univerzity v Ružomberku
Keywords: history; Slovakia; Middle Ages; Benedictine monasteries; architecture; protection of monuments

Summary/Abstract: Today, the most important former Benedictine monasteries in Slovakia are being protected as cultural monuments. According to the categories defined by the Law on the Protection of Monuments and Historic Sites, the present paper briefly analyzes the fundamental heritage value of these monasteries. At the same time it clarifies the aims of and reasons for their protection. The realization and definition of the heritage value of these monasteries is a prerequisite for determination of a subject of protection and, subsequently, for the restoration – and thus conservation – of these monuments. This effort, however, can only be successful if their owners, representatives of municipalities in which they are located, preservationists as well as potential investors with funds available for their prospective restoration, will harmonize their aims and coordinate their efforts to conserve these monuments. One of the oldest religious orders in Europe, the Benedictine Order, has had a significant impact on the history and cultural development of Slovakia. The material evidence of its activity includes the complexes of monastic buildings that have been erected since the time of the first arrival of respective Benedictine communities in our territory. These comprised important Benedictine convents at Zobor (Nitra), Hronský Beňadik, Diakovce, Trenčín-Opatová or rather Skalka nad Váhom, and in Rimavské Jánovce. Remnants of their monastic buildings or churches, carrying the traces of later reconstructions, have survived to this day and at present they are being protected as national cultural monuments. The Law on the Protection of Monuments and Historic Sites (No. 49/2002 of Law Code) defines the heritage value as “the aggregate of historic and social value, value in relation to landscapes and townscapes, architectural, scientific and technical value and value for the visual and applied arts meriting individual or territorial protection”. The paper analyzes individual categories of heritage value stipulated by the Law, using particular examples in the above mentioned monasteries. Its aim is to point to the current approaches in the protection of monuments and to illustrate what is now understood as historically valuable. By defining this heritage value and a particular subject of protection, a base of knowledge is being made that constitutes a basis for selecting a suitable approach to the renovation and exhibition of these monuments. Their appropriate renovation as well as adequate maintenance are essential if they are to be preserved for the future.

  • Issue Year: 2014
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 48-72
  • Page Count: 25
  • Language: Slovak