Majk, the Camaldulian monastic order

Majk, the Camaldulian monastic order. The buildings are still unique in Central-Europe. The order was founded in Italy in 1012 by Romuald, a Benedictine monk, who came to Hungary, Majk in the 18th century. The building complex was designed by Pilgram, an Austian architect. The construction lasted from 1733 to 1770. Originally 20 houses were designed but only 17 were completed. Each house was patroned by a different aristocratic family. The buildings are surrounded with stonewalls. The four corners of the stonewall look to the four cardinal points. The houses were laid out like in a village, with the church in the centre, which was founded by Jozsef Esterhazy in 1753.