Esterházy Palace

Esterhazy Palace is located in the west of Hungary in the city of Ferter. It was built by representatives of the Esterhazy princely family. Initially, a small hunting castle was built in 1720. But after the inheritance passed into the hands of Miklos Esterhazy, work began on the reconstruction of the building. The prince often visited France, and was eager to build a likeness of Versailles.

In 1760-1767, the building was expanded and reconstructed, completely changing the interior and exterior of the castle. The result of many years of work was the creation of an architectural gem in the Baroque style. Because of its luxury, beauty and grandeur, Esterhazy Palace was given the second name "Hungarian Versailles".

An opera and puppet theater, a house of music and a church were built in the courtyard. A magnificent park with pyramid-shaped trees was laid out on the territory of the castle, fountains were installed. There was an artificial waterfall at the end of the park.

The building was enlarged with outbuildings and decorated with many elements. The windows of the upper floor were made in the shape of a cello. The palace had 126 rooms, each of which was distinguished by its beauty and style. The most impressive beauty was the Banquet Hall, the main decoration of which was the image of Apollo on the ceiling, and figures symbolizing the season were placed in the corners of the room.

On the ceiling of the largest room of the castle, the Terran Hall, angels are depicted with the letter "E", symbolizing the initial letter of the princely family name. The letter indicating the name of the owners is decorated with the library, which contains more than 22,000 volumes of books.

The composer Joseph Haydn, who wrote hundreds of symphonies to the prince, lived and worked in a separate two-story house.

The entire elite of society gathered at Esterhazy Castle for lavish receptions, opera and concert performances. But after the death of Prince Miklos, starting in 1790, the castle was abandoned and gradually began to lose its luster. During the Second World War, the building was severely damaged, valuables and furniture were lost and stolen. In 1957, the castle was renovated, the park was put in order, and the interior was partially restored. Today, one part of Esterhazy Castle operates as a museum, and the other as a hotel. In the museum you can learn about the life and work of composer Joseph.

At the main entrance of the palace, wrought-iron gates, which are an art of the 18th century, delight. In the summer, festivals dedicated to the memory of composer Joseph Haydn are held.

You can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of past centuries and enjoy the beauty of the Esterhazy Palace on any day of the week, except Monday.