"Hungarian Versailles" Eszterházy Castle, Fertőd - Hungary

The beauty of the castle completed in 1766 compares to that of Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna or the Palace of Versailles. With its 126 rooms it hosts historical exhibitions and classical concerts of the Eszterháza Festival (Eszterházi Vigasságok).
Past 1770 the castle was a venue for grandiose festivities on a regular basis with operas, feasts, hunting, balls and fireworks to entertain guests, once even Queen Maria Theresa herself. The young German writer Goethe was also very much impressed and inspired during the days that he spent here and referred to the events as the "Esterházy Fairyland". His grandiose lifestyle and extravagant festivities earned the Prince the name "Lover of Splendour" or "Nikolaus the Magnificent". Generous patronage of art by the Esterházy Princes made the castle one of the major cultural centres of the country by the end of the century, earning the name "Hungarian Versailles". The richness of cultural life was further enhanced by the arrival of renowned composer Joseph Haydn, who lived in Eszterháza and served the family as a Kappelmeister for 20 years.
The castle today hosts historic exhibitions and visitors may enjoy classical concerts in a truly authentic environment every week from June to September. Baroque music lovers may choose from events of Eszterháza Festival (Eszterházi Vigasságok). Wandering around the ceremony room, the music hall, the newly restored opera house, the Sala Terrena (i.e. a floor hall adjoining the garden and a chilly shelter in hot summers), the Chinese room and the parlours takes you back in time to the 1700s and everyday life of the noble dynasty revives in front of your eyes. A suite is still reserved for the private use of the Esterhazys, that is currently for Prince Anton Esterhazy. Although the furniture arranged authentically truly reflects the style of the family, most of the pieces are from other castles and palaces.
The suite called Maria Theresa Room was left intact after her visit in 1773 until WW2. The west wing of the building used to host the renowned Esterházy Gallery with several gems in the collection of nearly 650 paintings including Esterhazy Madonna by Raphael (currently displayed in the Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest).

[@user-yp2mw2ko9k]

It is definitely more beautiful than Versailles - I will never understand the hype about the latter; probably, because Louis XIV reigned there and built up central power in France, but the castle is lackluster in comparision with this here serene and joyful building.

[@eszti4487]

I am glad that you like the Versailles Palace of our little country. However, I liked the Château de Versailles XIV better. Lajos, the residence of the Sun King, the pinnacle of European castle architecture, a symbol of absolute power.

[@user-yp2mw2ko9k]

@@eszti4487 "Lajos" ? What does that mean, please?
Well, of course it was meant to be the power centre, but do you really love it ? Have you visited Versailles ?
All the castles of Bartolomeo Rastrelli in Russia are much more beautiful, same applies to many in Germany - just look up for example Charlottenburger Schloß in Berlin, Nymphenburger Schloß in München or Schloß Nordkirchen im Münsterland.

[@eszti4487]

@@user-yp2mw2ko9k XIV. Lajos, the residence of the Sun King. I was in Versailles. I was fascinated by the luxury of wealth. I have not been to Russian or German castles. I have something to make up for.