Tihany is a village on the northern shore of Lake Balaton, situated on a peninsula, which in itself is a historical district. The center of this district is the Benedictine Abbey, which was founded in 1055 AD by Andrew I, who is buried in the crypt. This is the only original royal burial place in Hungary that remained intact. Also this is the place of which deed of foundation is the first extant record of Hungarian language.

The church itself was rebuilt in baroque style in 1754, and since then it has been several times renovated and added to. So was it's existance adding chapters to Hungarian history, taking for example that this place hold briefly prisioner the last Habsburg Emperor of Austria, Charles I, following his second attempt to regain the throne of Hungary.

The Abbey has several building around which were formerly used for several purposes, like wine cellars or granaries. Several of them, although they are used currently for some other purpose, they can still be visited.

The still functioning abbey is a popular tourist attraction due to its historical and artistic significance. Never the less, this location also has the best view of Lake Balaton.