the church of Ják - the beginning of the 13th century

Ják - Church 6
Ják - Church 3
Ják - Church 5
Ják - Fresco of the church
Ják - Church 8
Ják - Church 9
The Benedictine abbey was founded by Márton from the Ják clan around 1220. The Benedictine church was built in the honour of St George in the center of his estates, in the middle of the village. It was consecrated by Omodé, bishop of Győr, in 1256. The church of Ják is the most beautiful example of clan monasteries. According to its ground-plan it has three naves and no transcepts in a basilica arrangement. The naves close with semi-circular apsides. Two towers decorate the facade. The richest choir can be found there, which might have been used as a chapel, too.

The frescos were inner decorations: the ones in the bottom of the tower show Mary's death and Christ among the apostles, while the ones in the boxes of the vault represent the family of the donator. On the wall of the main chancel we can see a fresco representing St George, and it was the same as the picture of the main altar.

In the middle of the main facade are the main gates in a triangular-shape building. The archway is decorated with columns between the supporting pillars. The gates are framed with meander leaves, and in the tympanum we can see the Maiestas Domini relief. In the niche on the upper part of the gates are the standing figures of Christ and his 12 apostles, all of whom wear loose clothes. In the plain of the gates and the facade are the representations of the Madonna, and the representation of the fight between Samson and the lion.

Some of the sculptures are quite outstanding, such as the relief on the northern side-chancel representing a young king on the throne and the thorn-pulling figure of the main chancel. The southern side is simple and purer, since it used to be the monastery for monks.