Explore the historic Esterházy Palace to see its magnificent interior rooms. Stroll through stunning gardens and discover the history of the palace’s notable residents, including one of Austria’s most famous composers. Book tickets for exciting musical performances.
Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the palace and the Esterházy family. The palace was built beginning in 1720 for Prince Nikolaus Esterházy. Originally designed to be a hunting lodge, the palace ultimately cost 13 million Austro-Hungarian gulden to build, an extravagant cost even for one of the wealthiest families in the region.
The Baroque and Rococo palace has 126 rooms, many of which are gilded with real gold. See the palace’s hermitage, temples to Diana and Venus, Chinese dance house and puppet theater. Discover almost 620 acres (250 hectares) of French-styled gardens.
Head through the Courtyard of Honour to the main entrance, which features an intricate wrought-iron gate. Notice the courtyard’s statues, including depictions of cherubs and bearded men fighting beasts with ancient weapons.
See rooms decorated in a pseudo-Chinese style, a fashionable trend in the late 18th century. Walk among the carved pillars of the Sala Terrena, which features a heated marble floor. Look up at the ceiling to see Miklós Esterházy’s monogram in floral frescoes. Don’t miss the eye-catching fresco, called Glory of Apollo, decorating the ceiling of the nearby Banqueting Hall.
Find out if any interesting programs or events are taking place during your visit. Time your visit to coincide with the International Haydn Festival in the summer, a series of concerts with a focus on the works of composer Franz Joseph Haydn. Haydn lived at the palace for over 30 years and many of his pieces were performed for the first time in its Concert Hall.
Esterházy Palace is located just outside the small town of Fertőd, 17 miles (27 kilometers) east of Sopron. The palace is open Tuesday to Sunday and there is an entrance fee.
Gain insight into one Hungary’s most powerful historic families with a visit to this striking palace.
