Located 35 km east of Budapest, the Royal Palace of Gödöllő is the largest Baroque castle in Hungary.
The castle is particularly known for being one of the favorite residences of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, affectionately called Sissi.In point of fact, the palace was built in the eighteenth century and offered by the Hungarian people as a wedding gift to the royal family of Francis Joseph and Queen Elisabeth (better known as ‘Sissi’). It is often named as the Palace of Empress Sissi.
Sissi liked to take refuge at this summer residence to escape the intrigues of the court of Vienna. This majestic baroque palace not only offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of European royalty but also serves as a window into Hungary’s rich cultural and historical past.
In the beautifulPalace of Empress Sissi you will be able to visit the royal chambers, the large imposing reception room, among others, and discover many paintings and photographs of Sissi.
Origin of the Gödölló Palace
The origins of GödöllőPalace date back to the 18th century, when Count Antal Grassalkovich I, a prominent Hungarian nobleman, commissioned the construction of the estate. Built between 1735 and 1749 in the Baroque style, the palace was initially intended to serve as a lavish country retreat for the Grassalkovich family.
It became a symbol of Hungarian aristocratic grandeur, complete with meticulously designed gardens, ornate interiors, and a lavish lifestyle.
After the Grassalkovich family’s influence waned in the late 19th century, the Gödöllőpalace’s most famous residents arrived: Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria and his wife, Empress Elisabeth, who was widely beloved in Hungary. The Hungarian nation gifted the palace to the royal couple following the 1867 Austro-Hungarian Compromise, a political agreement that established the dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary. The palace thus became a favorite residence for Empress Sissi, whose affection for Hungary and its people is legendary.
The Royal Palace of Gödöllő, an architectural Beauty
The architectural design of Gödöllő Palace is a striking example of Baroque elegance. The building’s facade features classical proportions, with symmetrical wings stretching out from the central structure. The ornate exterior is adorned with rich decorative elements, including statues, columns, and grand staircases. The palace’s crowning feature is its large central cupola, which adds to its regal presence.
Inside, the palace is equally awe-inspiring. Lavish ballrooms, state rooms, and private chambers are adorned with gilded accents, frescoes, and intricate woodwork. One of the most famous spaces is the Great Hall, with its stunning ceiling frescoes depicting mythological scenes and portraits of royalty. The palace also boasts a Baroque theater, one of the few remaining court theaters in Europe, which was used for private performances for the royal family and their guests.
The royal apartments, particularly those of Empress Sissi, offer an intimate glimpse into the personal lives of the monarchy. Her rooms, while luxurious, reflect her more minimalist and romantic tastes, with simple yet elegant furnishings and a serene atmosphere. In contrast, the emperor’s apartments are more austere, reflecting his pragmatic and disciplined nature.
The Gardens: A Natural Retreat of the Palace of Empress Sissi
Surrounding the palace are its magnificent Baroque-style gardens, originally designed by Count Grassalkovich but further expanded and refined during the reign of Franz Joseph and Sissi. The gardens feature manicured lawns, sculpted hedges, and elegant flowerbeds, offering a peaceful retreat for visitors. Sissi, known for her love of nature, often spent time walking through these gardens, seeking refuge from the pressures of royal life.
The palace gardens also feature a palm house and several ornate fountains, adding to the aesthetic charm. A large English garden was later added to the estate, providing a more natural and informal landscape compared to the meticulously designed Baroque sections.
Video of Gödölló,Palace of Empress Sissi:
To visit the Gödölló Palace, many offers exist that include a roundtrip transfer by bus from Budapest:
Information and tickets for Gödölló Palace and bus transfer – click here
