A bit of history
The Esterházy family comes from Hungary and Slovakia. She belonged to the medieval nobility who, over the years, climbed the career ladder and gained the favor of subsequent rulers. Miklós Esterházy, an aristocrat and patron of the arts, and later his son Pál, served as Palatine of Hungary. They quickly received the title of counts. The following years and subsequent friendships with the nobles brought them the dignity of princes of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation.
For the Esterházys, however, not only new titles and increasing their fortune were important. Family members deepened their interest in art. For over 400 years, the family has been inextricably associated with interesting architecture, support for fine arts and attention to detail. Thanks to lavish celebrations, crowded concerts in which everyone wanted to participate, and art collections gathering the works of famous artists, the nobles of the whole world knew the princes’ name very well.
Three are still available to visitors. Esterházy Castle in Eisenstadt, Forchtenstein Castle and Lackenbach Castle are three testimonies of greatness, innovation and passion for art. Not everyone knows that the Esterházy family also owns the St. Margarethen, which every summer turns into a spectacular amphitheater for top-class musical events.
Forchtenstein Castle, photo: Österreich Werbung, Andreas Tischler / Vienna Press, promotional material
Esterházy Castle – a centuries-old residence
Let’s start our trip from Esterházy Castle in Eisenstadt. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in Austria. These are not exaggerated words. For hundreds of years, this baroque building has been the cultural heart of the capital of Burgenland. It stands in the very center of the city. It is also located on the edge of the Old Town. The entrance is decorated with a colonnade, which immediately makes us very impressed with the architecture. The focal point is the Haydn Room, decorated with 17th-century frescoes.
The castle is the former workplace of Joseph Haydn, the oldest of the so-called three Viennese classics, alongside Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven. It is therefore not surprising that the place is the cradle of art, a haven for artists and a place of great concerts. Today it serves primarily as a museum. Its space is also used during numerous celebrations.
Walking through the subsequent rooms with the guide, we will learn that the castle has changed owners many times. In 1648, it was bought by Count Ladislaus (W³adys³aw) Esterházy, and for 16,000 guilders and 3,000 buckets (approx. 60 liters each) of wine, the city was named a free royal city. After his death, the estate fell into the hands of his brother, Paweł. And it was he who rebuilt it in the baroque spirit. The last changes were made in the 19th century – then, among other things, the moat was filled.
Castle district in Eisenstadt, photo: Schloss Esterhazy Kulturverwaltung GmbH, Rupert Mühlbacher GAS, Andreas Tischler, promotional material
Forchtenstein Castle – a powerful fortress
Where to go next? Just 19 minutes by car there is another monument of the Esterházy family. 23 km southwest of Eisenstadt lies Forchtenstein Castle. We see him from afar. It rises on a rocky hill at the foot of the Rosaliengebirge Mountains. It is proof that this region had a turbulent and warlike history.
The castle was built in the 13th century. Initially, it served as a stronghold. Subsequent owners expanded it in the following centuries – among others, a 50-meter tower was added at the beginning of the 15th century. It came into the hands of the Esterházy family in 1622, when its glory days were already behind it. Nikolaus Esterházy received it from Emperor Ferdinand I. Esterházy strengthened the foundations of the castle and began its reconstruction. He engaged the best Italian architects. The work was continued by his son, Paul. However, after his death, the castle changed its purpose. It became a repository of weapons, machines and documents. The treasury is still open to the public.
The castle’s current appearance is due to the last major reconstruction, which took place in the second half of the 18th century. Its builder, Ferdinand Mödlhammer, undertook it. The roof truss was then raised and the interior was refreshed.
Lackenbach Castle – a Renaissance building and contemporary design
Another obligatory point of the trip in the footsteps of the castles of the Esterházy family should be Lackenbach Castle. From the first half of the 17th century, it was the seat of the Esterházy family, who took care not only of the interior of the building, but also of the extremely green surroundings.
The picturesque garden and hundred-year-old trees in the 24-hectare park are today admired by hotel guests. The boutique hotel Zum Oberjäger is located in Lackenbach. Numerous exhibitions and concerts are organized in Lackenbach Castle. The place is teeming with cultural life all year round.
Esterházy Castle during Advent, photo: Esterházy Betriebe GmbH, promotional material
Quarries in St. Margarethen
While in Burgenland, you cannot forget about one more place. The impressive showcase of the region are the quarries in St. Margarethen. Sandstone has been mined here for 2,000 years. As a result, peculiar rock formations were created. Building material from St. Margarethen was used in the construction of many important facilities in the capital of Austria – including: church of St. Stephen or Schönbrunn Palace.
In the 1990s, two outdoor opera stages were built in the quarry, with a total seating capacity of 7,300. From July 10 to August 25, 2024, Giuseppe Verdi’s “AIDA” will be exhibited here. It is a timeless story about love, betrayal and moral choices, known all over the world. Like no other opera, it fits the raw, rocky landscape of the quarries of St. Margarethen.
Opera performance ‘Tosca’ in Steinbruch St. Margarethen, photo: Rupert Mühlbacher GAS, promotional material
Promotional material of the National Promotion Office of Austria.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
