Pauline Monastery on Jakab Hill, Medieval monastery ruins on Jakab Hill at Kővágószőlős, Hungary
The Pauline Monastery on Jakab Hill stands as medieval religious ruins near Kővágószőlős, with visible stone foundations and wall sections scattered across the hilltop. The site reveals the layout of a monastic complex where monks lived and worked many centuries ago.
Founded in 1225 by the Bishop of Pécs, the monastery housed hermits following the order of Saint Paul the First Hermit. This religious community remained active on the hilltop for several centuries before eventually being abandoned.
The monastery grounds contain remnants of Iron Age fortifications, demonstrating the location's continuous importance from Celtic times through medieval Christian periods.
You can reach the ruins by following marked hiking trails that depart from the village below and remain accessible year-round. Wear sturdy shoes and bring weather protection, as the hilltop offers little shelter from sun or rain.
The hilltop was home to Celtic fortifications long before the monastery was built, making it a place chosen for both spiritual and strategic reasons. This ancient foundation beneath the medieval ruins reveals how people across different periods recognized the same hill as important.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
