The Monastery on the Hill Zobor near Nitra
The oldest monastery in the territory of Slovakia
The Benedictines were the only order in Slovakia from 9th to 12th century. They built their first monastery on the hill Zobor near Nitra. Their aim was to reach the higher stage of spiritual perfection. They made three promises-submission, chastity and poverty. Moreover, they promised to stay in the monastery till the end of their lives. Their slogan was "pray and work". So except praying, meditation, reading the Bible and other spiritual activities, they devoted themselves to manual work and in such a way they helped to develop economic life of the people living in the area.
They also re-wrote precious codexes for the needs of other clerical institutions.
A legend is connected with this monastery and the Chapel of St. Svorad, which was founded on Skalka by King Ladislav. The legend was written by bishop Maurus. He was originally a monk. He knew Svoradīs disciple Benedikt who told him about venerable life of his teacher. Both the
hermits were canonized in 1083 and became the first Slovak saints.
Zobor Monastery in the picture of an unknown painter from the first half of 18th century (Gallery of Frantisek Studeny in Nitra)
