Tucked away in a small village of barely three hundred residents deep within the Pilis hills lies one of the most significant historic sites of the Pauline Order - the only monastic order founded in Hungary. These atmospheric ruins offer a peaceful glimpse into medieval monastic life amid a stunning forested landscape.

The surrounding countryside is dominated on all sides by the wooded hills of Pilis, giving the site a quiet, almost otherworldly character. In spring and summer the green hillsides frame the old stone walls beautifully, autumn brings vivid foliage colors to the valley, and in winter a hushed stillness settles over the ruins, adding to their timeless appeal.

How to get there

• From the center of Pilisszentlélek - a winding road leads north, easy walk, roughly 15-20 minutes to reach the ruins on the hillside

Practical information

• The ruins are freely accessible and open to visitors at no charge
• Construction of the monastery and church began in 1287
• King Charles Robert visited in 1323 and signed the monastery's founding charter here
• The complex was destroyed in the mid-16th century after the Ottoman conquest of Esztergom and Buda
• Excavation and conservation work took place between 1985 and 1992

Nearby, at the Cséve cliffs, Blessed Eusebius, founder of the Pauline Order, settled with fellow hermits before this monastery was even built, making the area one of the true birthplaces of Hungary's own monastic order.