The town of Pannonhalma is located about 20 km south of Győr in northwestern Hungary. Perched on a hill 282 metres above sea level, the monastery has neoclassical architecture and the white bell tower of St. Martin's Cathedral.

In 1996, the Millennium Benedictine monastery and its natural surroundings were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and to celebrate its establishment, the local conservation community began a series of renovation projects. However, the renovation of St. Martin's cathedral itself was considered too elaborate and complex at the time and was postponed.

Pannohalma Monastery combines medieval, Baroque, 19th century and later architecture. John Pawson's renovation of the 13th century cathedral was designed to restore its interior to reflect contemporary patterns of liturgical use, while also restoring some of the spirit and spatial quality of the original building.

The monastery's new rose window became the logical transcendent point in the theological narrative symbol, marked with agate, starting from the baptismal font at the west end of the church, passing through the nave to the altar and platform, and finally up, through the newly purified sanctuary, to the aperture of the celestial realm. Thanks to John Pawson's various designs, the historic monument once again fits perfectly into its everyday function as a tranquil place for prayer and reflection.