Abbey church of St George

The Abbey Church of St George is a Romanesque parish church in Ják, a village in western Hungary near the Austrian border. The building comprises three aisles, two towers with a gallery between them, and displays elaborate stonework on the western portal featuring biblical scenes and plant motifs.

Construction began around 1214 under the initiative of Márton of the Ják kindred and continued through several building phases until the consecration in 1256. The gradual erection explains the different styles and construction forms visible in various parts of the building.

The name honors Saint George, the dragon slayer revered in Christian tradition, whose depiction adorns the main apse and draws pilgrims to this day. Worshippers attend Mass in a space where medieval frescoes still shape the interior, making the devotion of past centuries feel present.

The entrance lies on the western side, where the richly decorated portal opens into the interior. Visitors find the building on the village edge and can best appreciate the stonework and frescoes inside during daylight hours.

The northern and southern aisles reveal different construction periods, with the central and southern sections covered by wooden ceilings instead of vaults. This combination of wood and stone allows the gradual development of the building to be read and gives the space a warm character.

Location: Ják

GPS coordinates: 47.13920,16.58220

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:27