Tihany Benedictine Abbey is about 26 kilometres from Veszprém and is a wonderful way to spend the day, for everyone and in every season. There is an interactive exhibition in the Baroque church titled “Souls above the water: past and present encounters at the Tihany Abbey”.
The friary, built at the same time as the church, now houses the abbey museum. This square, one-storey building is connected to the southern wall of the church, while the wings of the building surround a square inner courtyard. Hungary’s last ruling Habsburg, Charles IV and Queen Zita, stayed in the friary when the powers of the Triple Entente interned them there from 26 to 31 October 1921, before they were exiled to Madeira. A monastic community now lives in the building once more. The new exhibition room, which visitors can access via the church, provides a space for temporary exhibitions.
A brief history of the Tihany Benedictine Abbey:
Andrew I founded the abbey in 1055 on the eastern end of the Tihany peninsula. Since 2012, it has been a priory of the Benedictine Congregation of Hungary. Its founding charter is the oldest document to survive in Hungary in its original form. The Baroque church was built under the direction of Abbot Ágoston Lécs, with the decoration made by wood carver Sebastian Stuhlhof. There are currently nine monks living at the Tihany Benedictine Abbey; they fulfil all kinds of pastoral duties in the area. The abbey boasts a vibrant cultural programme, including exhibitions, conferences and retreats.
More information about the opening hours here.
More information about the ticket prices here.
