PHOTOS: One of Hungary’s most important neoclassical castles is reborn

Festetics Castle in Dég on 11 November 2022. The Festetics Castle, designed by Mihály Pollack and completely renovated inside and outside - including its park - with HUF 3.361 billion in the framework of the National Castle and National Castle Programme, opened its doors on 9 November 2022. Source: MTI/Tamás Vasvári

The Festetics Castle in Dég, Fejér County, designed by Mihály Pollack and now completely renewed inside and outside, including its park, has opened its doors. The NÖF National Heritage Protection Development Nonprofit Ltd. (Nemzeti Örökségvédelmi Fejlesztési Nonprofit Kft.) announced the good news on Wednesday, 9 November.

According to the press release, a total of HUF 3.361 billion (EUR 8.2 million) from national and EU funds was spent on the investment in the framework of the National Castle Programme and the National Castle Programme, HelloVidék reports.

What has been done?

The ballroom of the Festetics Castle in Dég on 11 November 2022. Source: MTI/Tamás Vasvári

As part of the tourism development of one of Hungary’s most important neoclassical castles, the main building was renovated, the park and several outbuildings were renewed. On top of that, the utility system was upgraded, and exhibition spaces, a museum shop and a café were created. The works also included restoration and interior design work.

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What can be found there?

The Hollandi House in the park of Festetics Castle in Dég on 11 November 2022. Source: MTI/Tamás Vasvári

Visitors can learn about the everyday life, interests and historical role of the Festetics family in the ground floor of the castle. The botanical salon offers a taste of the natural history of the period, a glimpse into the drawers of Lajos Kossuth’s original herbarium cabinet, and an interactive four-season field table gives an insight into the history of the garden, HelloVidék writes.

In the library room, there is a display of architectural styles. In the banqueting hall, there is a portrait of the count’s life, but there is also a bedroom and bathroom from the early 20th century, a countess’s empire drawing room, a “garden room” and a period study, with a special section on the fate of the castle after 1945 and the history of the children’s home it housed.

How to visit the castle?

The renewed historic building and the English Park are not only for those who want to relax, but also for those who are looking for a special event venue. The complex can only be visited by guided groups on site or by prior registration.

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Ticket prices and opening hours of the Castle Park

Hungary’s largest English park, the sinous lake system, the lake around the burial mound and the footbridges across the lakes are open to visitors during the castle’s opening hours.