Treasures From Saint Martin’s Birth Land Shown In Szombathely

  • 3 Jun 2016 9:04 AM
Treasures From Saint Martin’s Birth Land Shown In Szombathely
An archaeological exhibition unique of its kind is to be open within the framework of Saint Martin’s Memorial Year in Pannonhalma and Szombathely. The collection – boasting an array of famous archaeological finds and numerous gold objects, among them one item of the Nagyszentmiklós hoard – presents a period of nearly five centuries of Pannonia, Saint Martin’s land of birth, providing also an insight into the way Christianity spread in this region. It is for the first time ever that the public have the opportunity to see the museum pieces of internationally acknowledged cultural and artistic value in this comprehensive form of display.

The exhibition is opening on 3rd June and awaits the visitors until this year’s autumn both in the Iseum Savariense museum in Szombathely and the Museum of Pannonhalma Abbey.

Saint Martin, our world famous saint born 1700 years ago in the territory of our country, a Roman soldier who had become the Bishop of Tours is being celebrated this year by Pannonhalma Arch-Abbey and the Town of Szombathely. As the outstanding event of the memorial year, a twin exhibition offers a unique collection of international importance, all gathered from the territory of Pannonia, a Roman province of that time.

The lavish material of the exhibition is presented through the collaboration of two museums, divided in two parts, arranged to present two periods of history. The double identity of a Roman soldier converted into a Christian is at the same time the precise reflection of his age: through the objects displayed at the exhibition now it is for the first time that we can have a comprehensive insight into the way Christianity spread within the territory of the Roman province.

One part of the twin exhibition will be located in the Iseum Savariense museum in Szombathely, where the visitor can trace the history of Pannonia and Savaria back to the Roman roots of the time when Saint Martin lived, whereas in the Museum of Pannonhalma Abbey it is the age of Saint Martin, the Christian monk and bishop, as well as the subsequent centuries that aim to evoke the sense of our wonder.

Those who are interested and, like going on a pilgrimage, visit the exhibition will acquire an authentic and in-depth knowledge of Martin’s age. The life and personality of Saint Martin is an example to be followed also by the man of our time. “It is of great importance that we should understand that Martin is the ideal of love serving his fellow-men”- emphasizes bishop Asztrik Várszegi, arch-abbot of Pannonhalma. “The man of our age must perceive and be aware of people in need; this is what Martin teaches us.”

Further information and booking in advance (reduced price): www.szentmarton-pannonia.hu

Iseum Savariense: 3rd June – 30th November 2016
No. 6-8. II.Rákóczi Ferenc street, Szombathely, 9700 Hungary

Museum of Pannonhalma Abbey: 3rd June –30th September 2016
No. 1-3. Mátyás király street, Pannonhalma, 9090 Hungary

Source and further info www.szentmarton-pannonia.hu

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