Schloss Esterházy, Eisenstadt, Austria

Schloss Esterházy was constructed in the late 13th century, and came under ownership of the Hungarian Esterházy family in 1622. Under Paul I, 1st Prince Esterházy of Galántha the estate was converted into a baroque castle which remained the principal residence and center of administration of the family for over 300 years. The palace currently offers a wine museum, gift shop, guided tours, and concerts in the famous Haydnsaal as well as the large garden in the rear of the castle.

The Haydnsaal, originally the large multi-purpose festival and banquet room, is a piece of artwork in itself in the Schloss Esterházy. With its size and ornate splendor, it reflects the political, economic and cultural dominance of the Esterházy family. Today it ranks among the most beautiful and acoustically perfect concert halls of the world. Its name goes back to the famous composer Joseph Haydn, who worked for nearly forty years in the service of the Esterházy family. Many of his works composed and premiered in Eisenstadt and the Schloss Esterházy.

References:

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Palaces, manors and town halls in Austria

User Reviews

Daniel Julius Markus (9 months ago)
A must visit if in Eisenstadt. Didn't go in but attended the outdoor summer Butterfly Dance Festival in the gardens. This was an amazing experience to be at the concert with the Palace as a backdrop.

Elena Petersone (10 months ago)
Eisenstadt is a hidden (for tourists) gem and Schloss Esterhazy is it's crown jewel. I had a most pleasant time here, getting very helpful advice from the lovely saleslady at the ticket office/ shop. I also was very lucky to go on what turned out to be a private tour with English speaking artist-guide Frau Beate Schreiter-Radel, who told me a lot of fascinating things about the palace, its history, architecture and rich musical background - oh, Haydn! I enjoyed every moment here, the walk through the park was pure bliss and relaxation, I just wish I had more time. I would love to come back and I recommend anyone seeking a calm and beautiful retreat to visit this wonderful place.

Ewout (11 months ago)
This beautiful building from the end of 1300 Was an Hungarian castle.In Eisenstadt capital city of the province Burgenland. This beautiful Baroque style castle has an amazing interior With beautiful paintings on the walls and on the ceiling.

Sabin (2 years ago)
We took the guided tour in English and we really had an excellent experience. I highly recommend it. The guided tour takes 1 hour.

Liudmyla (2 years ago)
Amazing guided tour at 13:00 in English. Interesting facts about palace and its owners. Ticket is 19 eur for Adult. Alternative to come to concert to see the most beautiful part of the palace - Haydnsaal

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Argos Theater

The ancient Argos Theater was built in 320 BC. and is located in Argos, Greece against Larissa Hill. Nearby from this site is Agora, Roman Odeon, and the Baths of Argos. The theater is one of the largest architectural developments in Greece and was renovated in ca 120 AD.

The Hellenistic theater at Argos is cut into the hillside of the Larisa, with 90 steps up a steep incline, forming a narrow rectilinear cavea. Among the largest theaters in Greece, it held about 20,000 spectators and is divided by two landings into three horizontal sections. Staircases further divide the cavea into four cunei, corresponding to the tribes of Argos A high wall was erected to prevent unauthorized access into the theatron and may have helped the acoustics, but it is said the sound quality is still very good today.

Around 120 CE, both theaters were renovated in the Roman style.

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