5 must see castles in Hungary you must put on your bucket list – photos
We already reported about the most beautiful castles HERE and HERE. We also wrote about the best castle hotels HERE. Now here are five additional hidden jewels everyone should see in Hungary collected by szeretlekmagyarorszag.hu.
1. Luby castle – Nagyar
It was built in Classicistic style in 1878-1879 by the so-called “Rose King”, Géza Luby, who created the biggest thematic rose garden of Hungary. During the Communist era the building was nationalised, and until 1977 it was used as a school. It took long until the family managed to get it back again, but finally, in 2013, the once ruined castle could be reopened. Today it offers a beautiful rose garden, a palm house, an interactive museum, a restaurant and many kinds of events in a fascinating environment.
They even create unique specialities from the roses like lemonade which is perfect to refresh yourself. Visitors can take home many souvenirs, as well, from porcelain to soap and from rosewater to sachet.
2. Almásy castle – Gyula
The Wenckheim family built the castle at the beginning of the 19th century. They were able to welcome there not only Habsburg Emperor Francis I, but also Franz Joseph I and his wife, Sisi. Interestingly, here lived János Damjanich, one of the military leaders of the Hungarian fight for freedom in 1849, after the Hungarian army capitulated. Furthermore, Ferenc Erkel wrote here his famous Bánk bán opera. Moreover, one of the most well-known Hungarian romantic painters, Mihály Munkácsy spent there some years learning from Elek Szamossy.
In the exhibition, we can learn about the life of those living in the castle from the baronesses to the housekeepers. HERE you can take part in a virtual tour.
3. Brunszvik castle – Martonvásár
The building’s history is also unique since its owners welcomed Ludwig van Beethoven many times, because he was in love with one of their daughters.
The building has been under the supervision of the Hungarian Academy for Science since 1953 because of its charming English garden created by Ferenc Brunszvik. Even though there are only a few mummified trees today, its cypress is said to have been there since 1800.
4. The baroque castle of Hajós
It was built by Kalocsa’s archbishop, Gábor Patatich in 1739 who used it as a hunting-seat and a summer house. The castle is located near the unique wine cellars of the village, so it is worth to spend there a whole day to taste the delicious local wines, as well.
It was renovated in 2010 and offers multiple exhibitions to the visitors.
5. Grassalkovich castle – Hatvan
During WWII it was the headquarters of the Gestapo. Today, it is a perfect choice for families and especially those who love hunting and nature. There are many exhibitions in connection to hunting, angling, fishing and culture history. However, visitors can also try themselves in following tracks and laser hunting.
Photos: facebook.com/lubykastely, facebook.com/GyulaiAlmasykastely, facebook.com/kastelyokmagyarorszag
Source: szeretlekmagyarorszag.hu