The young Bavarians, who study law, political science, and history and share a keen interest in public affairs, were introduced to the life of our namesake and the work of the Foundation by our colleague Gábor Ladányi. They also had an opportunity to examine correspondence between the former Crown Prince and leading German politicians, particularly from Bavaria, as well as notable items from the holdings in our care, including documents relating to the House of Wittelsbach.
Passau and Hungary share ties stretching back centuries. Blessed Gisela, widow of King Stephen I, came from what is now Lower Bavaria. After her husband’s death, she eventually entered Niedernburg Abbey in Passau, where she died in 1065. The university also maintains close links with Hungarian higher education, including a partnership with Andrássy University Budapest.
The visit formed part of a four-day programme in Budapest that gave participants a closer insight into contemporary Hungary and its recent history, the country’s place and role in Europe today, and the development of German–Hungarian bilateral relations. Their time at the Foundation complemented this focus on public affairs, showing how the collection in our care provides valuable sources not only for understanding the past, but also for placing present-day challenges in historical perspective.
Maximilian Becker, Chairman of the Association, thanked the Foundation for arranging the meeting and particularly welcomed the fact that it had taken place on German Unity Day.
