PHOTOS: Hungarian castles that you should visit in the winter

Thanks to a recent wave of reconstruction, all three castles have born anew. Immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit at Gyula, uncover the clandestine history of the Nádasdy family, or take a glimpse into the life of a great Hungarian painter – and better yet, experience all three!

Celebrate Christmas at the Almásy Castle in Gyula!

During Advent Saturdays, guests can partake in various workshops – from crafting gingerbread houses to fashioning pine decorations, Advent wreaths and Grinch trees. Moreover, they can receive guidance in preparing sauces for roasted meats and wrapping gifts, all within the castle’s walls.

The castle park will host various events, including theatre performances and concerts. On 23rd December, the Erkel Ferenc Mixed Choir will deliver a special Christmas performance. Throughout this period, a shoebox fundraiser will also take place.

Source: Gyulai Almásy-Kastély Látogatóközpont

Discover the secrets of the Nádasdy Castle!

This castle hides many secrets, from its roof to the library and the charming English garden with its pond and waterfall. Delve into the past of the Nádasdy family, commissioned by Ferenc Nádasdy and his wife, Ilona Zichy, completed in 1876 and inhabited by the family until World War II.

Initially, the building was constructed by István Linzbauer, but the master architect could not finish the castle, so the work was taken over by Alajos Hauszmann, whose influence is evident in the Ancestors’ Hall, showcasing life-size family portraits. Another noteworthy addition by Hauszmann is the impressive library, captivating visitors with intricate bookshelves, columns, and paneling.

Nádasdy Castle  offers a tour titled “The Castle of Legends,” guiding visitors through the entire castle to explore the history of the renowned family and everyday life in that bygone era.

Source: Nádasdladány, Nádasdy-kastély – hivatalos

Peek into the life of one of the greatest Hungarian painters at the Benczúr Manor!

After three years of extensive renovations, Benczúr Manor is reopening its doors on the 1st of December, writes turizmus.com. Thanks to over one billion HUF (EUR 2,630,759) in non-refundable European Union funds, the manor has been restored to its original state as part of the National Castle Programme and National Fortress Programme, complete with a new permanent exhibition.

Within the renovated spaces, 18 original Benczúr paintings, relics, drapes, reproductions, photos and short films guide visitors through the manor and the life of the famous painter. Gyula Benczúr’s love for Nógrád landscapes inspired him to buy and reconstruct this manor in his old age, even converting the old granary into a separate studio.

Mostly serving as a summer residence and studio, the building later functioned as a school, council house and cultural centre after nationalisation. The intense use over the years led to deterioration, but luckily EU funds saved this crucial piece of Hungarian cultural history. The reconstruction also added features to better accommodate a tourist complex showcasing Gyula Benczúr’s life.

New service areas, including a reception area, cloakroom, café, gift shop and renovated restrooms, have been introduced. The manor’s surroundings have been revitalised, and a visitor parking lot has been established. The building is now prepared to welcome curious souls seeking a culturally refreshing insight into the life of one of Hungary’s greatest painters.

Source: FB @travellina.hu

Read about another Hungarian castle that opened this December HERE.

Read more about Hungarian castles HERE.