Mainistir Bhuithe
Mainistir Bhuithe ( Monasterboice ) is a ruined monastery of the Iroschottischen Church in Ireland in County Louth , founded by Saint Buite (or Buithe mac Bronach ) († 521). It was abandoned after a fire in 1097 but, as is common in Ireland, the cemetery is still in use today. It is known for its round tower and the three sandstone high crosses from the 9th century.
The Muiredach cross is 5.2 m high. Its ornament and the scenes are well preserved. Those on the east side - from the Old Testament - show Christ, mocked by the Romans, above Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden and Cain who slays Abel. In the west it bears scenes from the New Testament . It got its name from an inscription in the base, which tells that it was set up by Muiredach.
The Great Cross or West Cross is the tallest in Ireland at 6.5m high. The depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus is special. Because of its size, many pictures are carved. For example on the east side:
- the baptism of Jesus
- Christ in the grave
- David with the head of Goliath
- Moses knocks water out of a rock
- Pilate washes his hands
- Samson overturning the pillars of the temple
- Temptation of Saint Anthony
- Samuel anoints David
A well-preserved, 28.5 m high round tower made of natural stone, which only lacks its roof, is also on the site.
Web links
- Brief description (English)
- Detail of Muiredach's Cross (Bluffton University)
- Detail of Muiredach's Cross (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
Coordinates: 53 ° 46 ′ 39.5 ″ N , 6 ° 25 ′ 2.4 ″ W.