PALACE OF FESTETICS (KASTÉLY FESTETICS)

This late-Baroque gem is an imposing asymmetrical castle with two wings, dominated by a remarkable tower. In terms of surface area, it ranks among the largest in Hungary, just behind those of Fertőd and Gödöllő. The Festetics family, a noble line of Croatian origin, settled in Hungary in the ^18th century thanks to advantageous alliances and a shrewd land policy. In 1739, Keszthely and the surrounding area came under the family's ownership. Construction of the castle began in 1745, at the instigation of Kristóf Festetics. Inspired by the French style, the residence was built around a U-shaped main courtyard and surrounded by a park designed with geometric rigor. Pál Festetics was knighted by Maria Theresa for his services to the imperial court. The golden age of the estate came under Count György Festetics (1775-1819), a major figure in the dynasty. He transformed the castle into a veritable palace, while modernizing the area. He introduced new techniques in agriculture, animal husbandry and shipbuilding. In 1797, he founded the Georgikon, Europe's first agricultural academy: in neo-Baroque style, it is one of Keszthely's most emblematic buildings. György Festetics also created the magnificent Helikon Library, in the north wing. It houses 60,000 volumes, including numerous agricultural treatises, collected by the family. Its Empire decor, with neo-Gothic coffered ceiling, was created by cabinetmaker János Krebl.