Nyírbator - Minorite Church

About 1480, at approximately the same time as he was building the family church, István Báthori donated a priory to the mendicant Minorite order of monks, and was buried in its church. About 1720 Count Károlyi had the priory and church converted to Baroque style, although the original plain front and long, multi-bay choir are still discernible. He gave the church a groin-vaulted roof by adapting the medieval vaulting, as well as a carved pulpit and several Baroque altars lavishly adorned with figures, turned pillars and gable fragments. The figures were carved by the Slovak sculptor Johannes Strecius. The 1731 Passion Altar on the north wall is deserving of special attention; this is also the work of a Slovak craftsman. The Stations of the Cross are depicted in Baroque settings with the use of realistic scenes similar to those found on medieval altars.