Gothic architectural treasures found in Hungarian monastery

Restoration work has revealed a Gothic passageway and window at the medieval Pauline, later Carmelite monastery church in Sopronbanfalva (NW Hungary), archaeologist-art historian Tamas Balazsik told MTI on Wednesday.

The section that links the monastery and a church on a hill was made during restoration work which started in 2007. The work is aimed at a full restoration of the building complex, he said.

Experts have already found mural paintings in a 17th century dining hall, depicting Saint Paul the Hermit, the portraits of four other church leaders, as well as scenes from the day-to-day life of Pauline friars, Balazsik said. An 8.5-metre drain section dating back to the same century has also been found in its original condition, he added.

In 1532 the monastery was severely damaged by Turkish troops who crossed the area to besiege Vienna. It was however restored by the Paulines, who returned in 1643.

Once restored in full the complex will serve as an arts and meditation centre expected to open by the end of 2010.

The project has received 4.5 million euros from the Norwegian Fund.

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