The Arch-Abbey of St Martin was established in 996 by Prince Geza for Benedictines. Tradition holds that the patron saint Saint Martin, Bishop of Tours, was born in the village at the foot of the hill in the Roman times. (See also later the article on Savaria.) Saint Stephen the king, son of Prince Geza, granted many privileges to the monastery (deed of foundation dated 1001) and the building was also completed under his reign. The regular monastery building around a central court, which played an important role at the time of the Arpad dynasty, was built in the early 13th century. The fortified monastery defied the Tartar hordes in 1241. The monastery was converted to a fortress during the Turkish wars. When the Turks were expelled the church was restored and in the 18th century Baroque wings were added. The Benedictines established a school in 1801, and new buildings were erected for it. In the millenary celebration also the Pope visited Pannonhalma. In 1996 Pannonhalma was selected as a member of UNESCO's World Heritage programme.
The Arc-Abbey, a predominantly Classicist building - comes into view from a good distance, no matter from which direction it is approached. The main entrance is at the south-eastern corner between the school and the residence of the arch-abbot. Visitors may see Pannonhalma only in a guided tours.
The church The three naves of the church are separated by richly articulated columns connected with elongated arches. The main nave is covered by a separate vault. A marble stairway leads to the elevated channel covered by star-shaped reticulated vaulting. The Baroque sacristy opens from the northern side aisle.
The chapel of Saint Benedict built with reticulated vaulting with a centre voissoir, in 1486. A Renaissance framed door leads to the Neo-Gothic chapel of the Virgin Mary. Two beautiful sepulchral monuments of red marble deserve attention in the southern side.
Passages leading down to the Crypt. The interior is divided into three naves of even width, covered by Gothic cross-vaulting with three sets of columns. Human heads also appear amongst the carved vegetal ornaments. Tradition holds that the throne of the abbot sunk into the western wall is the seat of Saint Stephen.
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