Kláštorisko (page 10 of 10)

Kláštorisko is the ruins of a 13th-century Carthusian Gothic monastery that you will find while wandering through the Spiš region, in the beautiful surroundings of Slovenský raj (Slovak Paradise). It is also known by the names Skala útočišťa or Strážny vrch. It is located at an altitude of 760 m a.s.l. in the cadastral territory of the village of Letanovce. Together with the areas of Čingov and Podlesok, Kláštorisko belongs to the most important centers in the northern part of Slovenský raj.

The monastery's founding charter dates back to December 1299. Archaeological finds confirm that a hillfort structure from the Lusatian culture period was located here. According to legend, the monastery is punishment for the death of the provost of the Crusaders in Chmeľov. He was supposedly killed by Master Kokoš from the prominent Brezovický family, who as punishment and redemption for such a bloody crime had to found six monasteries. However, he only managed to found two. According to some historians, however, something else stands behind its creation.

The Kláštorisko plateau had a very important strategic location. From here, there is a view of the entire Spišská kotlina basin and its surroundings. That is precisely why inhabitants chose it as their refuge as early as the Late Bronze Age (11th century BC), and subsequently in the Early Iron Age (600 BC), they even built a fortress of sorts on the site. During the Tatar invasions of the Kingdom of Hungary, misery, hunger, and suffering befell ordinary people. The people of Spiš tried to save their wives and children from the cruelty of the Tatars. Historians believe that it was the people who hid on the rock and survived the Tatar invasion who built a makeshift wooden church at this location. A monastery was later built behind the walls as an expression of gratitude for saving lives.

The first structure to be built was a chapel north of the church, later used as a chapter house. The space south of the presbytery served the monks as a sacristy. A large monastery corridor was built around the entire perimeter of the courtyard. Along its perimeter were the monks' dwellings separated by low walls. Connected to the large cloister in the southeastern part is a small monastery corridor that stands opposite the communal spaces. Such a division of monastery corridors is specific to the Carthusian Order, as it reflects their requirement for a life of solitude, silence, and strict asceticism. The golden era of the monastery's operation was at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries.

At the end of the 15th century, however, the monastery's life was accompanied by devastation associated with a destructive fire. It was attacked by the Hussites, later by the bratríci (Brotherhoods), who found their refuge at Marcelov hrad. This resulted in the monastic community moving to Levoča, where they built a new monastery and stayed for a short time. Thanks to the return of the monks, the monastery in Letanovce underwent reconstruction in 1478. Not only were necessary repairs carried out, but also various renovations and stylistic architectural alterations took place. In 1517, a hospice was built in its southern part. The remainder of the monastery's existence was influenced by political changes, the mortgaging of estates to the town of Kežmarok, as well as plundering by the robber knight Matej Bašo. In 1543, by decree of the General Chapter, the monastery was abandoned and demolished.

You can reach the monastery on foot from Hrabušice - Podlesok through Prielom Hornádu or from Čingov via Tomášovský výhľad. The braver ones can also go through the settlement in Letanovce. The complex is accessible year-round, and in summer, professional guided tours are available for interested visitors. The entire area of Kláštorisko is a very popular tourist destination. There is even a symbolic cemetery with exhibited artworks by young artists from the Spiš region. The exposition commemorates personalities who contributed to the development of the national park, as well as the lost lives of those who perished in Slovenský raj.

So whether you are interested in the history of the monastery or attracted to hiking in Slovenský raj, you are in the right place. Book accommodation near Kláštorisko on the Letanovce accommodation page and come admire not only the beauty of this monument, but also the famous Letanovský mlyn mill or one of the waterfalls in Letanovce.