100 Years of Tihany Lavender

Centenary in the Balaton Uplands: The Tihany Abbey and Lavender Manufactory Commit to Another Century
Where sacred tradition meets premium brand building:

exactly 100 years after the first plantations, the Tihany Lavender Manufactory and the Benedictine Abbey of Tihany have renewed their historic cooperation for another century. Our agency is proud to have supported this milestone as a partner, which brought not only a jubilee exhibition but also the birth of a brand-new brand, Sacra Botanica.

The Tihany Abbey Commits to Preserving the Lavender Tradition for Another Century

Exactly one hundred years ago, a story began that intertwined the name of Tihany with lavender forever: it was then that herbal researcher Dr. Gyula Bittera leased the land required for the first plantations from the Benedictine Abbey of Tihany. On the occasion of the centenary, the Tihany Lavender Manufactory and the Abbey solemnly renewed and extended this historic cooperation for another century, celebrating the milestone with a jubilee exhibition and the announcement of Sacra Botanica, a brand rooted in sacred traditions.

Dr. Gyula Bittera

In 1926, exactly one hundred years ago, Dr. Gyula Bittera, a herbal researcher and essential oil manufacturer, leased approximately 125 cadastral acres of land from the Benedictine Abbey of Tihany. Using propagating material brought from France, he established the first commercial, domestic lavender plantation. Thanks to the unique characteristics of the peninsula, Tihany lavender became world-famous, laying the foundations for the Hungarian essential oil industry.

Centenary Exhibition at a Symbolic Venue of Rebirth

The free jubilee exhibition opened on June 26, 2026, at 11:00 AM at 18 Batthyány Street in Tihany. The choice of venue was highly symbolic: this very building housed the peninsula's first lavender shop when it opened in 2009, and it has since become the hub for the revival of Tihany's lavender culture.

In his welcoming speech at the ceremonial opening, Balázs Kötél, the Mayor of Tihany, highlighted: "Today, lavender is an iconic symbol not only of Tihany but of the entire Balaton Uplands, serving as the foundation of its cultural and tourism identity. This centenary beautifully demonstrates how respect for tradition and the preservation of local values can lift up an entire community and its economy across centuries."


The exhibition showcased the versatile cultural history of the herb, its role in essential oil and perfume production, and the process through which a local treasure transformed into internationally recognized quality. Over the past decade and a half, the Tihany Lavender Manufactory has worked tirelessly to preserve this heritage through extensive archival and museum research, the activities of the Gyula Bittera Foundation, and its permanent exhibition at the House of Scents (Illatok Háza).

Long-Term Cooperation

The highlight of the opening event was the ceremonial signing of a new, long-term cooperation agreement between the Benedictine Abbey of Tihany and the Tihany Lavender Manufactory Ltd. This gesture paid direct tribute to the original 1926 lease agreement, while also charting the path forward: it guaranteed that the heritage of Tihany lavender will be preserved in an authentic, professionally grounded form for future generations.

In his speech, Norbert Jeromos Mihályi, the Prior of Tihany, emphasized the spiritual and historical significance of the agreement: "In the life of the Abbey, respect for the values of the past and the protection of the created world are inseparable. By renewing the former contract signed with Gyula Bittera, we are not only carrying forward an economic legacy, but we are also declaring our faith that Benedictine traditions and nature's pharmacy continue to guide future generations in the modern world."

The Birth of the Sacra Botanica Brand

In connection with the jubilee, the manufactory also brought a new concept to life: they announced the birth of the Sacra Botanica brand. The new brand combines the sacred traditions of monastic herbal culture, the natural power of the Tihany Peninsula, and contemporary quality, with Tihany lavender naturally becoming its premier flagship product.

As part of the official program, following the contract renewal and the opening of the exhibition, representatives of the press were invited to an exclusive guided tour to explore the beautifully renovated Benedictine Abbey of Tihany, as well as the manufactory’s stunning, blooming lavender plantation.

“For us, Tihany lavender is a living heritage. A decision made a hundred years ago, the vision of Dr. Gyula Bittera, the land of the Benedictine Abbey, and the hard work of the people of Tihany together created the foundation upon which we continue to build today. In this jubilee year, we wanted to show that this story is not a closed past, but a mission to be continued,” said Éva Hollán and Zsolt Nyárádi, founders of the Tihany Lavender Manufactory.

The event on June 26 was thus both a historical retrospective and a forward-looking professional commitment, where the landscape of Tihany, the Benedictine heritage, the science of botany, and premium perfume production came together.


About the Tihany Lavender Manufactory: Tihany Lavender Manufactory Ltd. is a dedicated family business working to preserve and contemporarily reframe the history of local lavender. Through its own lavender cultivation, high-quality artisanal products, the creation of unique perfumes, and various cultural and exhibition programs, the manufactory seamlessly connects the natural, historical, and olfactory heritage of Tihany.


"Just Creative helps shape your brand’s message and deliver it right to your audience. Through strategic planning, creative ideas, and measurable results, we ensure your message doesn't just reach your target group, but drives real impact."

Let's work together!


Have an exciting idea?

Whether you're launching a new brand, organizing an event, or planning a campaign, we’d love to hear from you.

Drop us a line—we truly listen, react quickly, and provide tailored, professional solutions!