The original spatial experience of our country’s most important Pauline monument is being restored

The best-preserved complex of buildings in the country associated with the Pauline Order is the Martonyi Háromhegy Pauline church and monastery; the ruins, situated in the Szalonna-Rudabánya Mountains, are one of Hungary’s most significant medieval monuments. The Háromhegy monastery was founded in 1341 by the Martonyi noble family, and the three altars in its sanctuary were consecrated in 1411. The wars against the Turks sealed its fate: it fell into disuse around 1550.

The gable and side walls of the nave are still standing today, and one of its most significant historical values is that it is suitable for architectural reconstruction.

The contractor can draw on 25 years’ experience

The comprehensive conservation of the complex began in 2001 and has now reached the final stages of its third phase. The public procurement procedure public procurement tender issued by the Aggtelek National Park Directorate was won by Salisbury Régészeti Kft.. The value of the project, which covers a gross area of 768.7 m² of derelict land, is approximately 259.8 million forints, with a completion deadline of 550 calendar days.

The aim of the project is the partial reconstruction of the church (199.8 m²), as well as the interpretative conservation and presentation of the former monastery wing (chapter house, sacristy, cloister, refectory).

The masonry of the sanctuary is being rebuilt to its full height

The works will be carried out under strict heritage protection and archaeological supervision:

Work will begin with the manual removal of the root systems of the two beech stumps inside the boat, the creation of a floor surface, and the removal of sediment from the area in front of the entrance.

A key technical and heritage feature of the restoration is the construction of the stone and artificial stone structures. The masonry work will be carried out using local stone, strictly following medieval laying patterns. The originally carved limestone elements (window frames, rose window, triumphal arch, rib vaults) will be replaced with cast artificial stone elements made to a fixed formula in formwork; these will be further carved on site during installation to achieve an authentic, carved stone effect.

From a structural engineering perspective, a key aspect is the reconstruction of the sanctuary’s masonry and buttresses to their full height, atop which a concealed reinforced concrete ring beam will be constructed. A period-appropriate, thick timber-beamed („plain medieval”) roof structure will be built above the sanctuary, whilst a section of the ambulatory will be fitted with a protective roof.

The defences built previously are also being adapted to the final ones

The shingle roofing of the nave has now fallen into disrepair and is being replaced with natural slate roofing to match the new roofs. This will be laid over planed boarding and battens.

The floor covering will consist of a layer of compacted crushed stone and a bed of small stones, supplemented with red artificial stone slabs in the nave and sanctuary, and grey slabs in the remaining areas.

Retaining walls are being constructed in the excavated cellar of the refectory, whilst the landscaping outside ensures that surface rainwater is drained away from the ruins.