Festetics Castle
The Festetics Palace is a Baroque castle in the town of Keszthely in Hungary . Today it serves as a museum and is used for events. The castle is the third largest and one of the most visited castles in Hungary.
Building history
In 1739 Kristóf Festetics (1696–1768) acquired a plot of land in Keszthely not far from Lake Balaton on which the foundations of an old castle ruin were. The wealthy noble Festetics family comes from Croatia , the grandfather Pál (*?; † 1640) founded the Hungarian branch of the family. In 1745 Kristóf began building the castle on the property. The planning was changed several times over the course of time. A first renovation, in which the building wings were lengthened, took place in 1769–1770 under his son Count Pál (1722–1782). The grandson Count György (1755–1819) arranged for a further renovation in 1792 . He had the southern library wing added.
Prince Tasziló (1850–1933) arranged for an extensive renovation between 1883 and 1887 together with the Viennese architect Viktor Rumpelmayer . After the courtyard was enlarged, a new wing was built and the central part of the tower was connected to the old building. The entire castle was given a mansard roof and a water network and central heating. During these construction measures, the building as well as the rooms, the stairwells and the facades were largely given their current appearance
The park surrounding the castle is under nature protection. The park around the building is designed in the French Baroque style and further to the west as an English landscape garden. Well-tended lawn, old trees, colorful flower beds and bodies of water determine the picture. There are outbuildings on the edge of the park, such as B. the former stables with a carriage exhibition.
Library
The Festetics family has expanded the unique collection of old print products established by the builder of the Kristóf Festetics castle over the course of more than 200 years with books and other works from important European printers. Kristóf's grandson György had the library wing of the castle built and the interior furnishings made of oak.
The inventory of the reference library today includes over 90,000 documents including special collections, including numerous rarities. The reading room is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Festetics family
The Hungarian branch of the counts and later the princely Festetics family has earned many merits - both in the region and within the Austro-Hungarian monarchy . Kristóf founded a hospital and a pharmacy in Keszthely. Pál built the first school. György (1755-1819) founded an agricultural college under the name Georgikon . The first in Europe, it still exists today. The family members were patrons and promoters of culture and took on several high political offices over time. Prince Tassilo (1850–1933) was imperial and royal councilor, privy councilor and chief steward. In 1911 he received the title of duke from Emperor Franz Joseph .
Prince György (1882–1941) and his family were the last residents of the castle. His wife Maria Haugwitz, a Polish countess, and their son, Prince György (1940–) left the castle in 1944.
Current condition
Unlike the surrounding area, the castle was not damaged in World War II . The valuable library was also not looted. In 1974 the building was converted into a museum. With the help of EU funds, the facility is currently in good condition. More than 200,000 visitors per year are counted.
gallery
Baroque garden gate
Park
painting
Library
Hallway in the Festetics Palace
Web links
- Festetics Palace and Helikon Museum - Official Website
- Castle information on the website of the city of Keszthely
Individual evidence
- ↑ Helikon Kastélymúseum . In: website of the castle . Retrieved June 8, 2019.
- ^ The Festetics Palace (Helikon Palace Museum) . In: Hévíz-Balaton website . Retrieved June 8, 2019.
- ↑ Festetics Castle in Keszthely . In: Balaton24 . Retrieved June 8, 2019.
Coordinates: 46 ° 46 ′ 14.2 ″ N , 17 ° 14 ′ 30.1 ″ E