| Hungary's recent accession to the EU has made | | | | the visitor an interesting mix of east and |
| travel to and from the country simpler and | | | | west. Closer to Budapest and the Millenarian |
| more attractive to travellers from other | | | | Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma is a |
| European countries. The tourism industry is | | | | stunning, yet relatively undiscovered tourist |
| booming in Hungary and its' capital, | | | | treasure. The abbey, built on the Roman |
| Budapest, has established a firm place on the | | | | province of Pannonia dates back to the |
| list of must see city break locations. But as | | | | formation of Hungary as a nation itself. The |
| the city attracts more and more tourists and | | | | abbey has been built and destroyed several |
| challenges Barcelona and Prague for the | | | | times in its history but the foundation of |
| number one spot in city break destinations | | | | the monastery originally built be Czech and |
| looking outside of the city itself can reveal | | | | Italian monks and most recently refurbished |
| another side to Hungary as a destination. | | | | in a unique baroque style are truly |
| Budapest is a city rich in culture and | | | | impressive. Travelling out side of |
| history, a city of castles, cathedrals, | | | | Budapest can be relatively easy with a range |
| museums and Turkish baths. Although uniquely | | | | of organised tours visiting many of Hungary's |
| Hungarian and not short of attractions, | | | | attractions and the country's rail network is |
| Budapest is typical of the European city | | | | relatively cheap and reliable. For the more |
| break destination. But a nation with no less | | | | adventurous or independent traveller, car |
| than 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites is not | | | | rental is available with many of the major |
| short on wider attractions and Hungary is no | | | | firms offering car hire in Budapest or at the |
| different. Pecs, some 213 km from | | | | various airports around the country. |
| Budapest is a stunning early Christian | | | | Hungary is a welcome addition to the European |
| necropolis founded by the Romans in the 2nd | | | | travel destination circuit and the merits of |
| century AD. The first Hungarian king, St | | | | Budapest are obvious and abundant. The |
| Stephen founded an episcopate in Pecs in 1009 | | | | country itself though is a fascinating |
| and the architectural monuments of 150 years | | | | destination of contrasts, history and culture |
| of Turkish rule are still evident offering | | | | and it just might be well worth exploring. |