In the heart of the well-groomed park Hungarian town of Keszthely, that occupies the north-western shore of Lake Balaton, stands one of the most beautiful and largest castles of the country - Festetics. Built in the middle of the XVIII century in the style of French palaces, it differs in the splendor of the facade and luxury interior decoration.

Rooms situated on the ground floor, provide the opportunity to see the most valuable and beautiful samples of Hungarian weapons from different eras. Library, in turn, not only the most sophisticated room palace, but its main value. That it is stored only in Hungary surviving intact aristocratic private collection of books, in which the first printed book, and unique prints, and notes with autographs of Haydn.

Count Festetics went down in history as progressive landowners: Kristof founded a hospital, Paul - a city school, and George Festetics in 1797 opened the first European Agricultural University "Georgikon", which today is the faculty of the University of Pannonia.

Directly castle was founded in the time of Krzysztof Festetics in 1745 on the ruins of the family homestead Gersei Petho. Construction lasted more than a century. According to the original plan for the residence of Hungarian aristocrats was "only" thirty-four rooms. The great and magnificent structure that we have today - the creation of the Viennese architect Viktor Rumpelmaera. His efforts in the period from 1883 to 1887 in the castle, a series of reconstruction works. Their result was a large complex, built in the shape of a horseshoe and has one single room.

Library wing was built by George Festetics period from 1799 to 1801 under the leadership of Andrew Fisher of the Vienna Academy. Georgikon students have access to the library.

Dining room, now converted into a concert hall, decorated with stucco.

As for the extensive parkland, it was written into the project at the outset. It was unspoken tradition that was followed in the construction of aristocratic estates. Sketch of the future garden was designed in English landscape gardener, today - landscaper, EH Miller in the XIX century. Miller ulterior motive was discharged from England. Two centuries ago, parks and gardens are just the English style - with fountains and statues - considered particularly chic, and any self-respecting aristocrat simply had to follow this model. Nowadays gardening area gradually acquire its original amazing view. Visitors can enjoy a separate, already restored, the corners of the park.

In contrast to the surrounding areas, the castle was lucky much more - it was not damaged during the Second World War.

Since 1974, the castle is located in an independent museum and stables a collection of carriages, wagons and other crews.

Former guest wing, ballrooms and an incredible mirrored hall again today open to the public. At the castle today are the most diverse events: international conferences, concerts, literary readings, balls, receptions and many, many others.

From Keszthely Festetics former residence separated by a wall with entrance gates, through which anyone today for a modest fee may enter the territory for which decades ago walked the most prominent representatives of the Viennese nobility.

Castle Festetics annually receives more than 200,000 visitors.