KÁROLYI CASTLE (KÁROLYI KASTÉLY)

This neoclassical castle was built between 1844 and 1850 by Count Georges Károlyi, to designs by Austrian architect Heinrich Koch, assisted by the young Miklós Ybl (architect of the Budapest Opera House). Modernized in 1910, the residence was nationalized under the Communist regime, transformed into an orphanage, then left to decay in the 1980s. Georges, a descendant of the family, and his wife Angelica obtained an emphyteutic lease in 1997, when they began renovation work, which was largely completed in 2011. The couple personally looked after visitors, both staying at the château until 2015, when Georges Károlyi was appointed Hungarian ambassador to France (completed in 2021). The château, which is open to visitors all year round, includes - among other curiosities - a charming chapel, numerous reception rooms, family portraits, some fine paintings from the family collection (restored after their confiscation during the Communist regime), two libraries, that of François Fejtő (an eminent Hungarian historian) and that of genealogist Szabolcs de Vajay. Numerous cultural events take place on the château grounds throughout the year, including a string quartet festival in September, a chamber music academy in July and Plant Days in June. Botanical tours once a month.