Pannonhalma Archabbey Priority Project Completed with EU Support27 October 2010
Stages II, III and IV of the Pannonhalma Archabbey Tourism Attraction Development Programme, implemented with 1.25 billion HUF in support from the EU, have been completed. The total value of the priority project under the West Pannon Operational Programme is 1.56 billion HUF. The closing event of the development project was held in the new Visitors’ Centre at Kosaras Hill.
The key goals set by the Hungarian Benedictine Congregation’s Pannonhalma Archabbey included co-ordinated service development, widening the range of tourism products and programme packages, and a diversified use of tourist attractions. To achieve this they drew up a four-stage development plan.
Stage I, landscaping and development of the site was finished in December 2006 under the National Development Plan.
Another bid was submitted for implementation of additional stages. Support was granted in 2008 under the call for applications “Utilisation of regional cultural and world heritage sites of international importance for sustainable tourism”.
Stage II included the development of tourism services and infrastructure at Kosaras Hill. The parking lot was extended and a new visitors’ centre was built, housing an à la carte and self-service restaurant, a kitchen and auxiliary facilities, staff and welfare rooms. Other facilities include toilets for women, men and persons with disabilities, a coffee lounge, an events hall with exhibition space, a bicycle store and a cloakroom.
Stage III covered the reconstruction of the natural environment and the Arboretum, as well as the creation of a medicinal plants information house in the monastery garden, and meditation areas in Hospodár Garden. The Arboretum and the meditation areas of Hospodár Garden provide places for recreation and retreats, while the herb information house introduces visitors to the Benedictine monks’ use of herbs. These facilities serve as additional attractions for visiting tourists.
Stage IV included a youth and pilgrim hostel. The complex housing up to 67 guests was built near Kosaras Hill. The guest house includes two apartments housing 6 persons each. and three buildings for young people and excursion groups, with rooms for 16 persons each. Supervisors can stay in rooms for two. Community areas were also added. The complex can accommodate larger youth and student groups, as well as the numerous pilgrim groups visiting the Abbey. All in all, the development project created facilities that can cater for tourists staying for several days.