Not far from Gyor, on an isolated mountain, rises the celebrated Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma, one of the first homes of Hungarian Christianity, and one of the principal centres of the science and literature of the Country. This establishment was founded by St. Stephen, the first Magyar King; and according to legend, St. Martin was seen on that day. A beautiful road leads from the station to the Abbey, the principal court of which, is ornamented by a statue of St. Astrik, the first abbot. We notice particularly the Church, built in Roman style, and the crypt; certain parts of them date back 900 years. The Abbey possesses a theological seminary and a school for the teachers of the Benedictine Order; it contains also, an excellent library of more than 100,000 volumes. The Abbot of Pannonhalma has the rank of Bishop, and governs a special diocese. From the windows of the Abbey, we look out over a dozen provinces.

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Adapted from Illustrated Description of Hungary and its Capital