Tihany Abbey

The Tihany Abbey is a Benedictine monastery which was established in 1055 by Andrew I Hungarian king. Andrew I was buried here in 1060 in the crypt. Its foundation document is one of the oldest Hungarian written memorials.

The church was built in a traditional way with a nave, apse which under the crypt was built. In Hungary it is considered medium sized and its dimensions are 46x16, the height of the towers are 34,5.  The western (main) facade is ornated in a baroque style while the other sides of the church are not so ornated, they are really simple. From the southern size a monastery square is connected to it.

Interior

Main facade

The altars, sculptures and wooden decorations of the abbey has a significant role in the 18th century wood sculpture. The ornated pulpate and altars were made by Sebestyén Stulhoff. We can see the painting of the transfiguration of Aignan of Orleans at the main altar, moreover, the sculptures of Saint Stephen and Saint Ladislaus. Other altars which worth mentioning are the altar of Mariazell and the ”Jézus szíve” altar.

                                                                 Altar of Mariazell

                                                                        Main altar

The crypt was built in a Roman style, this is the only Hungarian crypt which remained intact. Here we can find the foundation document, but the original one is in Pannonhalma.

                                                                          The crypt

Nowadays in summers concerts take place here, in autumns and winters events and exhibitions are organized.

Sources:

http://tihany.osb.hu/hu/