Unique abbeys of Hungary I.

The Pannonhalma Archabbey is one of the most impressive tourist attractions of all the abbeys in Hungary: a unique historical site with an active monastic community, who are also the hard-working organisers of local events. The special basilica of the Benedictine Pannonhalma Archabbey and its associated buildings present a key feature of the landscape. Furthermore, the natural richness of the abbey's arboretum is also significant to mention. The botanic garden is home to more than a thousand species of plants and over a hundred species of birds, and its herb garden is deservedly famous for its lavender. The abbey has its own lavender distillery, and the lavender extracts produced here are also used in many of their own products and gastronomic dishes. Speaking of lavender, summer cannot be complete without the Pannonhalma Lavender Days, where anyone can pick this soothing herb in a “pick-your-own” promotion, while enjoying the purple landscape. Of course, the other elements of the garden are also indispensable: herb gardens are an essential part of monastic life, as the oils extracted from the plants are the basis of the perfume industry and are used as sacred objects in some religions. Perhaps that is the reason why the first interactive fragrance museum and herbal showroom in Hungary opened here in spring 2021, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about the working processes and to try out the interesting and varied effects of fragrances for themselves. The exhibition combines a divine perspective with a secular definition, as the garden is an image of the richness of the created world, healing body and soul, a meeting point of the two worlds. Apart from herbs, local viticulture also plays an important role, which the monks cultivate with great care and expertise in their own vineyards. That is why the local wines are so magical. Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of wine on the open-air wine terrace. The fusion of delicious wines, nature, local gastronomy and brilliant jazz music creates an extraordinary atmosphere, which makes the “Jazz Summer in Pannonhalma” concert series organised in the abbey is so unique. In addition to the bigger concerts, there are also a few jazz dinners in the VIATOR Abbey Restaurant accompanied by more intimate and harmonious tunes.

In the heart of the Bakony Mountains is a lesser known but equally special monastery, the home of the Cistercian monks, the Cistercian Abbey of Zirc. The abbey is a popular religious centre in the area, and it is no coincidence that the largest altar in Hungary, a baroque wooden high altar, is located here. This English-style arboretum has the highest located collection of trees in the country and is often visited by deer and squirrels. An interesting part of the abbey is the “Zirci Apátsági Manufaktúra” (lit. Zirc Abbey Manufactory), where the tradition of beer is brought to life with modern tools: the latest digital technology and manual labour are combined to produce unadulterated craft beer. You can get to Zirc not only by car or train: The first Saint Bernat Pilgrimage took place in the summer of 2020, with participants travelling on foot from the Cistercian Church of Saint Imre in Budapest to the feast of Saint Bernat. Although the journey takes almost a week, the experience is priceless: hiking is the best way to prepare yourself mentally for a visit to the abbey.