Spezialführung: Das Schloss im Wandel der Zeit

The focus of this special tour is on the transformation of the castle from the 14th to the 21st century. Architecture and building history are just as much a topic as the significant personalities who shaped this change. In the princely family history, a total of twelve lords of the manor influenced not only as magnates and diplomats but also as patrons and art lovers, the courtly life of the European aristocracy. They significantly shaped the careers of renowned artists and musicians, such as court conductor Joseph Haydn. Schloss Esterházy, which came into the possession of the Esterházy family nearly 400 years ago as a medieval castle through the Hungarian Palatine Nikolaus Esterházy de Galantha, has been expanded and remodeled repeatedly over time. Paul I. Esterházy expanded the castle in the Baroque style. During this construction period, the impressive "Great Hall" with its opulent frescoes was created, which is now known worldwide as the "Haydnsaal" and is considered one of the most impressive concert halls in the world due to its outstanding acoustics. Around 1800, the castle underwent a renovation in the Neoclassical style under Nikolaus II. Esterházy, which can mainly be admired from the current rear side of the castle. At the beginning of the 19th century, the garden was also transformed into an English landscape garden and was intended to become a masterpiece of European garden art. Duration: 60 minutes.