Tihany Abbey

About

Tihany Abbey was originally founded by King Andrew I of Hungary in 1055, with the church seen today being built atop the original site in 1754. Amazingly, the medieval crypt where King Andrew was buried was left completely undisturbed, and now his tomb is the only extant grave of a medieval King of Hungary. The church interior is an exercise in Baroque excellence, with intricately carved altars, pulpits, and screens made by an Austrian lay brother named Sebastian Stuhlhof. Stuhlhof is also responsible for the magnificent choir rail and the cherub-covered organ. The abbey also has a small museum where you can learn about its historical importance, like how the charter is the oldest example of writing in the Hungarian language. As an added bonus, the abbey's hilltop position offers some of the best views of Lake Balaton.