In Hungary, the Tihany Monk Caves are the most comprehensively studied medieval hermit colony. Research from the 19th century to the present day has uncovered clear evidence of an Árpádian-age hermitage. One of the four caves known today (Cave 1) undoubtedly served as a chapel, since its sanctuary, which is oriented regularly to the east and raised by steps, preserves a carved rock niche for an altar and colorful patches of medieval paintwork above it. Moreover, at the western end of the chapel, rock-cut tombs, once covered with stone slabs, have been found. In the infill of one, a coin from Béla III (1172–1196) was discovered, albeit as a stray find. Some two dozen burials have been excavated in the northern vestibule of the chapel, at least some of which are definitely contemporary. The artifacts of the everyday life of the early hermits are scarcely known throughout Europe, but perhaps the few Árpádian-age pottery fragments found in Tihany can be considered their legacy.