Welcome to Zalaapáti

Zalaapáti, with a population of 1700, is located in the valley of River Zala, on the right bank of the river. The Zala Bridge, opened in 1959, serves as the gateway to this village. From the beginnings the settlement used to be the property of the Benedictine Abbey founded in 1019. Its name refers to this: village belongs to the abbot. This settlement was first mentioned in a written document in 1273.

In 1715 the abbacy became the property of the Benedictine monastery of Göttweig and Zalaapáti was made the seat of the Abbacy. A Roman Catholic church was erected between 1777 and 1781 built in Baroque style. The frescos of the church were painted by Joseph Mölck, while the four altar-pieces were painted by Johann Schmidt.

The abbey church was dedicated to honour of St. Adrian and the Holy Guardian Angels. The organ was made by János Jakab Jetter, an organ builder from Kőszeg. Due to the wonderful acoustics of the organ, the church is a popular concert venue. The museum of local lore introduces the local history of the settlement. The museum is open for visitors all-year-round. Streets of the settlement are decorated by various monuments-styled sandstone crosses typical to the countryside, the Trinity statue and the state of John of Nepomuk (1769). There is an old gentry manor-house in the Jókai Street. It was built by Szentkirályi family in 1796 in late Baroque style. The single-floor mansion has a five ha park, which is a protected area. In 1995 the mansion was bought by a new owner coming from Saarbrücken, who established a famous exhibition of tile stoves in the building.

Due to the long historical background, the rich built heritage and the advantageous location of the settlement, Zalaapáti plays an important role among the settlements of the county. High-quality cultural events and carnivals are organised all-year-round for guests visiting the village. Zalaapáti can be easily accessed as it is located in the intersection of roads connecting the thermal baths (Hévíz, Zalakaros and Kehidakustyán), the golf course at Zalacsány and the international airport in Sármellék.

The Zala valley – Kis-Balaton cycling route contributes to increase tourism potential of the settlement. This cycling path is connected to the bicycle route located around the Lake Balaton. Thereby, visitors can easily access the village.

We would like to you come and explore the beauty of Zala. Welcome to Zalaapáti!

Tibor Vincze

Mayor of Zalaapáti