Saint Maurice Monastery

The Szent Mauríciusz Monostor  (Saint Mauritius Monastery) is located in the heart of the Bakony Hills, in the village of Bakonybél, and is one of the oldest Benedictine monastic communities in Hungary. The monastery was founded by King Saint Stephen in 1018, and since then it has been home to monks living in a rhythm alternating between silence, prayer, work, and reading. The patron saint of the monastery is Saint Mauritius, a 3rd-century Roman soldier who was martyred for refusing to persecute innocent Christians.

The monastery has been renovated several times throughout its history: it was abandoned during turbulent times, then rebuilt in Baroque style in the 18th century. Today, the monastery is not only a religious center, but also a cultural and tourist attraction. Visitors can see the Baroque church, the medicinal herb garden, the nature conservation exhibition, the medicinal herb barn, the icon workshop, and take part in spiritual programs, guided walks, and musical and literary events.

Address of the monastery: 8427 Bakonybél, Szent Gellért tér 1. It is easily accessible on foot from the center of the town. For those arriving by car, free parking is available in the vicinity of the monastery. The site is well signposted, and the main buildings and visitor areas are barrier-free, making them accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

The source of the content and images is Bakonybel-monostor.hu and their Facebook page.