The northern Transdanubian was once the golden triangle of trade and transport between Vienna and Budapest. On a three hundred metre high hill in the Bakony Mountains is the Benedictine monastery of Pannonhalma that symbolizes the Christianization of Hungary.

The oldest section of the complex is the Santa Martin Basilica which was consecrated in 1225 and was gradually developed above previous buildings. Baroque stucco and classical elements decorate its interior as well as many works of art that date back to the Romanesque and Gothic periods.

Viewed from the cloister, the Porta Speciosa is a work of art. In the thirteenth century the magnificent Late Romanesque step portal was built on what was once the entrance to a church and symbolizes one of the twelve ornamental gates of Jerusalem.

By much hard work and devotion, over the centuries the monastery prospered and gained much respect. Today only a handful of monks live and work in the monastery, running a school and maintaining the buildings.