Renovation of the Esterházy Castle dubbed ‘Hungarian Versailles’ reaches new milestone – PHOTOS

The ongoing renovations of the Esterházy Castle at Fertőd have reached another major milestone, with the western wing and the stables, once belonging to the Duke, now restored to their former glory. Witness the progress of this remarkable project through captivating photos here.

Esterházy Castle stands as the largest baroque-rococo-style palace in Hungary, dating back to the 18th century. Commissioned by Nikolaus I, Prince Esterházy, known for his extravagant taste in clothing, music and residences, the castle earned him the title “the Magnificent.” It was not only a beacon of beauty within the country but also across Europe. However, over time, its glory faded.

During the 19^th century, the Esterházy family ceased full-time residence in the castle, leading to its gradual decline. In World War II, Soviet forces used the building as a military hospital. Subsequently, in the 1950s, it served as the site for the Horticultural Research Institute, later transforming into dormitories and classrooms for the Agricultural Technical School.

It was in the mid-1900s that sporadic renovations started around the grounds. However, a comprehensive restoration process began only in 2001. Magyar Építők outlines the latest developments in a recent report on the castle’s rejuvenation.

PrtSc: Magyar Építők / YouTube

Over the past two decades, the courtyard, castle chapel and castle park have undergone refurbishment, alongside modernisation of the basic infrastructure. The museum section, princely suites, puppet and marionette theatres have been meticulously restored, while a castle inn and a baroque water tower have been seamlessly integrated into the complex.

PrtSc: Magyar Építők / YouTube

The historic castle undergoes much-needed renovation

The repairs and upgrades of the western wing commenced in 2016, divided into multiple phases due to the complexity of the undertaking. The latest phase, initiated in January 2023, focused on renovating approximately 1,800 square meters of the western wing’s three-story structure, as outlined by Magyar Építők.

PrtSc: Magyar Építők / YouTube

PrtSc: Magyar Építők / YouTube

PrtSc: Magyar Építők / YouTube

The paintings discovered on the walls of the library, worn down by time and overpainting, were professionally restored and conserved: their protection was of chief importance for conservators working on the project.

Esterházy Castle: A superb spring and summer destination

As we wrote last year, Esterházy Castle offers a spectacular view of its Rose Garden from mid-May, boasting fragrant rose varieties from Hungary, England and Germany. The garden was built between 1902 and 1908 but sadly endured near-total destruction post-World War II. It was only in 2015 that the garden was restored to its former splendour.

Additionally, the Esterházy Castle boasts four other gardens for nature enthusiasts to explore, including French and English-style courts, a Lavender and Herb garden and the Lés-forest.

PrtSc: Magyar Építők / YouTube

Esterházy Castle welcomes visitors from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, throughout the travel season in spring and summer.

If you wish to discover other historic castles across the country this summer, check out our list of the most stunning ones in Hungary here.

Read also:

Renovation of Budapest’s jewel is well underway: this is what the Citadella looks like now – photos

Outrageous: Hungarian government gives away historical castles to international corporations? – Click here

Source: Magyar Építők