Márianosztra
Márianosztra, hidden in the Börzsöny in the northern part of County Pest, is a favourite destination for hikers.
King Lajos the Great, had a monastery built for members of the Order of the Hermits of St. Paul (the religious order of Hungarian origin) in 1352.
The village was named after the church and its patron saint: Maria nostra is the Latin for „Our Mary”. At this time the monastery was populated by 300 monks.
During the centuries, the village saw many prominent figures like King Matthias, János Hunyadi or János Kapisztrán. It was destroyed by the Turks in 1535 and its restoration began in 1711 and finished in 1725.
Although the gothic sanctum was restored, the rest of the church and the monastery were rebuilt in Baroque style.
Joseph II dissolved all religous orders in 1786, and the monastery first became a military depot and then a French military hospital. From 1854-1948 it functioned as a prison for women, which was operated by the Sisters of Charity of St. Vince. It became a male prison in 1950.
Next to the building is the Roman Catholic Vicarage, which was built around 1800. There is also a baroque calvary chapel, built between 1759 and 1777, on a former hermitage.
From 1 September 1989, the place is once again owned and operated by Paulite priests.
Patronal parish feasts
Patronal feast of Szentkút: on the second Sunday of May
Patronal feast of the Five Wounds of Jesus: the first Sunday of July
Feast of the Assumption: the last Sunday before 15 August
Patronal Feast of Mary, Sorrowful Mother: the last Sunday before 14 September
The yearly „Márianosztra Days” is a popular programme and plays an important part in the life of the village. In 1998, the opening of the Village Hall was the most important part of the celebration. The place houses the local museum.
A prominent member of the villa is Miklós Szilvásy, wrestling champion. On his 75th birthday, a commemorative plaque was placed on the wall of the local primary school. The plaque was made by sculptor Imre Szabó.
At present Márianosztra can be reached on foot and by bus. According to plans, the Márianosztra-Szob railway line is going to re-open in May 2008.
Visitors will be greeted by wonderful surroundings, historical and local relics and a restaurant.
