ESTERHÁZY PALACE (SCHLOSS ESTERHÁZY)

Built in 1371, the castle was transformed into a Baroque palace between 1663 and 1675 for Prince Paul Esterházy. The ^18th-century busts on the façade depict the Esterházy ancestors and Hungarian kings. The permanent exhibitions "The Esterházys" and "The Esterházy Grand Tour" provide a fascinating insight into the life of the princely family and the history of the house, which for centuries was linked to the Pannonian region, then a prestigious area in the heart of Europe. The works of art and objects on display illustrate the sumptuous life of the court during the princely era. The reconstructions capture the atmosphere of the Esterházy princes' court. While receptions and diplomacy animated their court, it was also distinguished by the place given to music, which reached its apogee with Joseph Haydn. The palace houses the country's largest wine museum. In the Haydnsaal and Empiresaal, concerts are regularly given by the Haydn Quartett in period costume, notably during the Haydn Festival. From the courtyard, a sumptuous staircase leads to the Haydn Hall, whose murals depict Hungarian kings and generals, while the ceiling fresco (1701) evokes the legend of Eros and Psyche. The English-inspired park features grottoes, fountains, an orangery and the Temple of Leopoldine, with a statue of Leopoldine Esterházy by Antonio Canova (1805). A rich discovery. You can also visit the winery.