Pevnosť Bzovík in Bzovík, Slovakia

The monastery in Bzovík was founded between 1127 and 1131, it’s charter being issued in 1135. Originally a Benedictine monastery (dedicated to the first Hungarian king, St. Stephen), around 1180 it fell under the influence of a religious order called the Premonstratensians. This new leadership expanded monastic teaching to include new economics and agriculture. 

Monastic strongholds were often the subject of attack during the 15th century, and as such the building was burned down several times, immediately repaired and rebuilt only to be razed again. In 1530 it was even rebuilt into a vast fortified manor house by a Slovakian oligarch Zigmund Balasa, adding dwellings for soldiers and farming. It was again burned down in 1620, re-established as a church only to be conquered in 1678.

The complex finally fell into a permanent state of deterioration in the early 19th century with habitation ceasing after World War I. Archaeological and architectural study of the site began in the 1930s, though Pevnosť Bzovík suffered under both world wars. Today the fortifications are under general reconstruction, though the church related structures at its center are completely crumbled. But this wonderful ruin remains freely open to the public. Its extensive history can be easily researched online.