The centre, dubbed Viator, or ?traveller?, was built with the support of European Union funding and is a sign of the order?s aim to be self-sufficient, working with their hands to provide for themselves.
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| Asztrik Várszegi |
There is nothing archaic about the Viator Abbey Restaurant and Wine Bar, rather it is forward-looking, with clean and simple forms, and lots of glass that offers visitors a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
Asztrik Várszegi, who heads the abbey, said it would not have been worth it to make a ?mini abbey? of the establishment, nor would it have been appropriate to build something like a countryside pub. The restaurant ought to become a ?base of peace? for Hungarian and foreign visitors, a place from which one leaves more refreshed and more happy, he added.
Among old tombstones in the abbey?s cemetery is one with the Latin inscription Sta viator! Nec abi. Morare paulum et considera, or ?Stay, traveller, don?t go! Stay a bit and meditate.? The abbey?s newest addition offers a similar invitation.
The restaurant puts the abbey among many others in Western Europe that have started catering establishments.
The abbey will soon open a guest house and renovate its arboretum.
Author: Éva Kelemen / Photo: MTI
