(source: Marcela Ballová)
Franciscan monks used to live in it, later used by miners. In the days of the communist regime, it served as a retirement home. Then the state wanted to use it as an archive. Finally, it ended up as surplus property of the town of Rožňava, eastern Slovakia.
Today, thanks to culture enthusiasts, it has been put to good use and makes for a great attraction for visitors to the Gemer region, even from outside the Slovak borders.
There is increasing interest in the events taking place in the Rožňava monastery, built in the latter half of the 18th century, as well as accommodation in its former monastic cells, evoking the atmosphere of ancient times.
However, seven years ago it looked different.
Not appealing at first sight
What restaurateur Tomáš Székely saw after opening the massive doors of the national cultural monument left unused for approximately 15 years was not very motivating. He is co-founder and member of the civic association Otvor Dvor (Open a Yard).
