Zirc Abbey

Zirc, Hungary

The early history of the Zirc monastery is obscure as regards both names and dates, on account of its being so often referred to under both these titles: whether Zirc and Boccon were separate abbeys cannot now be definitely determined. It seems most probable that the foundation was made by Béla III, King of Hungary (1182), as the monastic domain was formerly a royal farm. Besides this grant, on which now stands the city of Zirc, many other donations were made to the nascent abbey, which soon became one of the most celebrated in the country. It was rich not only in temporal possessions but also in the spirit of fervor and religious regularity. In 1232 the foundation of Kutjevo Abbey in the present Croatia was made from Zirc, which became its mother-house.

This happy state continued for three centuries, but decadence set in before the end of the fifteenth century, and by 1526 the ravages of the Ottoman invasion of Hungary had depopulated the monastery, not one religious remaining at the end of the year. The buildings and possessions passed into the hands of laymen.

In the seventeenth century (1609) it was acquired by Canon Mihály Monoszlay. Thenceforth it remained the property of ecclesiastics, and in 1659 it was given to Holweis, Abbot of the Cistercian Lilienfeld Abbey, who appointed Márton Újfalusy (1660) its abbot, thus reviving it. From the jurisdiction of Lilienfeld it was transferred successively to that of Klostermarienberg Abbey (1678) and Heinrichau Abbey (1700). From the latter abbey came a number of religious who gradually restored first the monastic buildings and church (consecrated 1745) and then regular observance in its primitive vigour.

In 1810 the community, in common with many others, was expelled, but was restored in 1814 under Abbot Antonius Dreta, from which time the abbey prospered more than ever before. Under his administration the abbeys at Pilis and Pásztó were united to Zirc, as was likewise, in 1878, the abbey at Szentgotthárd. In 1923 the Congregation of Zirc was established.

Zirc Abbey was dissolved in 1950, and its church became a parish church. The monastery was re-established in 1989 and maintains residences in Eger, Baja, Budapest, Pécs and Székesfehérvár.

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Founded: 12th century
Category: Religious sites in Hungary

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4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Violin Hsu (12 months ago)
An incredible surprise as we were driving from Tihany to Pannonhalma. We only visited the church, but we could have visited the library and museum if we had more time (there are separate and combined tickets). One must have to be on a guided tour (happens every hour), but the tour is only in Hungarian. If you don’t speak Hungarian, simply buy a guidebook in English. Beautiful grounds as well with a cafe/restaurant attached to it.
Barbara Balázs (14 months ago)
A beautiful place inside and outside!
Szabolcs Nagy (2 years ago)
No matter if you are religious or simply like beauty and history. This is a nice place to go. Like beer? Taste home-made beers brewed locally called "Apátsági" in the buffet near the Abbey (Apátság in Hungarian), and you won't be disappointed.
László Lukovszki (4 years ago)
Nothing fancy but real values are there. We missed yet the library due to the time we spent in the botanical garden and in the museum. The library must be spectacular too, waiting for us to return :)
Gergo Kalcsics (4 years ago)
A surprise in the heart of the Bakony mountains. Definitely worth a visit. Make sure to arrive before the hour starts so that you can visit the guided tours.
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