Flying above, the first experience one gets is admiration: the rectangular shaped church tower with the white cell-houses at its foot is a beautiful feature of the landscape. It is a fine example of harmonious building, that mingles natural and artificial peacefully, and is set off by the green background of the Vértes. But getting closer, you will notice the 1000-year old history of the land and the 230-year old history of the buildings. You slowly become aware of people living here, and of eppochs and cultures that had been built to last.

Earl József Eszterházy - the area belonged to his family - granted his possesion of Majk in 1733 to the order of Camalduli, and he also granted the timber, lime and stones needed for building. The order of Camalduli - founded in 1012 by Romuald - seceded from the order of Saint Benedict. They swore an oath of silence and lived by very strict rules; such disciplined is the monastery itself with its balanced rectangular shaped architectural layout. The white-robe monks lived and mediated in buildings divided into four separate rooms. The buildings enclosed an intimate yard, the center of which is occupied by the church tower. And to add to the true barocque feeling of the place, the glockenspiel of the tower plays four pieces an hour from Pál Eszterházy's musical collection, the Harmonia Caelestis, dating from 1711.

And tough the storms of history swept through this site as well, the place now readily avaits tousands of visitors and offers the beauty of the ambient lakes, forests and clearings - only 3-4 minutes from Oroszlany by car. This piece of barocque beauty with its attached monastery castle is now involved in finding its function. The local government of Oroszlány conducted a competition aimed at the utilization of the territory and the arrangement of the region. The competition resulted in agreat deal of remarkable suggestions, all emphasizing on the touristical role of the region. The competitors must fulfil the following requirements: order, tranquility, simplicity, immersion. The local government awaits proposals on determining the detailed functions on the complex reconstruction and future operations on the site.

The future of this unique monument of cultural history is decided on these days. but it is absolutely sure that the site has a growing circle of attraction throughout the region. Now it is open for utilization wheter via a 30-50 year term concession or another construction worked out in coordination with the local authorities.

The site is open for visitors every year from 01.04. to 01.11. every day,excluding monday. Visiting hours 10-18. Accomodation is available in limited numbers.

All rights reserved Internet Baráti Kör 1997. Created by: Modrián Vilmos and Sólyom Jöran.