Tomajmonostora

• Archaeological findings point to settlement dating back to the 11th century.
• At the former monastery site, a three-aisled abbey basilica and an early round church have been identified; the findings were reported in 2024.
• The settlement’s parish church, which predated the monastery, has also been identified in Tomajmonostora.
• The approximately one-hundred-year-old Reformed church was renovated in 2022.

The archaeological findings reported in 2024 identify two church buildings at the former monastery site in Tomajmonostora: a three-aisled abbey basilica and an early round church. “Three-aisled” means that the church interior is divided into three aisles; the term “round church” refers to its circular design. The investigations at the former monastery site therefore focus on two different types of building.

The early round church is also significant for understanding the settlement’s history. According to archaeological findings, Tomajmonostora was already settled by the 11th century; remains of the round church also point to this. In addition, the parish church of the settlement that predated the monastery has been identified. The local history thus encompasses both a settlement parish church that existed before the monastery and the church buildings identified at the former monastery site.

The approximately one-hundred-year-old Reformed church was renovated in 2022. Its approximate age and renovation provide a more recent point of reference alongside the archaeological evidence of early settlement and the monastery site. Those interested in church history can distinguish between different layers of local history, rather than assigning the identified church buildings to a single period.

In the wider destination of Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok, Lake Tisza in the northern part of the county serves as a tourist hub. The lake and its surroundings are also among the region’s outstanding areas for cycling tourism. Separately, the international EuroVelo II route runs along the Tisza through the county. The wider destination therefore offers cycling tourism at the lake as well as a riverside cycling route as regional highlights.

The Tiszakürt Arboretum is also located in the wider destination of Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok. It is of national botanical importance and has been a nature reserve of national importance since 2001. It is home to more than 1,000 plant species and varieties. In the Öregkert area, there is a 3.5-kilometre network of signposted walking trails. The arboretum adds a distinct nature and walking destination to Tomajmonostora’s local history within the wider region.

Another cultural attraction in the wider destination of Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok is the Kiss Pál Museum in Tiszafüred. It is housed in a Neoclassical mansion commissioned by the Lipcsey family in the first half of the 19th century. Two permanent exhibitions explore Tiszafüred’s approximately 7,000-year archaeological past and folk-art objects from the 17th and 18th centuries. Check the exhibition details before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Tiszafüred, Kunhegyes, Tiszaderzs, Tiszaőrs, Abadszalok, Tiszaszentimre, Tiszaszőlős and Tiszaroff.

Since when has Tomajmonostora been settled?

According to archaeological findings, it has been settled since the 11th century. Remains of an early round church also point to this.

Which church buildings have been identified at the former monastery site?

A three-aisled abbey basilica and an early round church.

When was the Reformed church renovated?

The approximately one-hundred-year-old Reformed church was renovated in 2022.

To the overview of the wider destination: Tiszafüred.