LELES

The Convent of the Holy Cross in Leles is one of the easternmost Premonstratensian monasteries. It was founded by Bishop Boleslaus of Vác sometime between 1188 and 1196, who invited Premonstratensians from Prémontré in France. The original Romanesque monastery was destroyed during the Mongol invasion. Shortly afterward, it was rebuilt along with the Chapel of St. Michael.

In the second half of the 14th century, the monastery church of the Finding of the Holy Cross was built in the Late Gothic style. According to legend, Hungarian King Andrew II placed the heart of his murdered wife Gertrude in this church.

After 1565, the Premonstratensians left the Leles convent, and from 1569 to 1699, it was administered by secular priests known as commendators. From the early 18th century, it was managed by Premonstratensians from Louka in Moravia, who renovated the complex in the Baroque style in the mid-18th century.

Monks lived there until 1950, when they were interned as part of Action “K”. The monastery was nationalized, and its premises were used by the Secondary Agricultural School. After the school relocated, the monastery fell into disrepair until 1994, when it was returned to the Premonstratensians of Jasov.