Gordon Bajnai, government commissioner in charge of development, said the abbey, with its long-term strategy to draw more visitors, was an example to be followed.
State secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister István Kolber said the abbey's plans reflected the aim to protect tradition and preserve value while at the same time recognising the necessity of modernisation.
Asztrik Várszegi, Pannonhalma's abbot, said the abbey wanted to offer its visitors - who come to see Christian traditions and those of the Benedictine order - a higher level of service.
As part of the refurbishment, the road leading to the abbey was reinforced and repaved and new lighting was installed in the square in front of the main entrance. A path with benches was built around the abbey, seating was installed in an area used for open-air events, and a new drainage system was installed in the abbey's courtyard.
The refurbishment was the first part of four-phase project. Later the abbey plans to develop its tourist infrastructure, renovate its arboretum and set up an events centre.
The Pannonhalma Abbey, which was included on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1996, draws some 100,000 visitors a year.
Source: Múlt-kor / Hungarian News Agency (MTI)
