In Hungary, in Gödel, is one of the largest palace complexes in Europe - Grassalkovich Palace, otherwise known as the Castle of Gödöllő. Structure recognized the second largest palace complex after Versailles. The total area of ​​the castle - 17 thousand square meters. meters, and the adjacent park occupies 29 acres.

Grassalkovich palace built in the same style - baroque, and because of the outstanding architectural features has become a model for the design and construction of many Hungarian castles. In its luxury castle can be compared only with the French palaces, famous for its decoration. Not all of Gödöllő Castle is open for viewing tour - there is still undergoing restoration. Permitted to attend the reception, a grand staircase and hall, the central building of the palace. Most recently for tourists discovered two new wings - Gizella and Rudolph. In the rooms of the castle completely restored apartments of Emperor decor - furniture of the masters 18 - 19th century antiques, paintings, and of course, the sculpture, which deserve special mention. They can be found at every step - from the main entrance to the small and transitions inside the palace.

Another attraction of the castle of Gödöllő - the main hall. He is known for the fact that it is here that the wedding of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Sissi. Hall is richly decorated with white and gold stucco in the Baroque style, hanging from the ceiling with a huge crystal chandelier with candelabra, and exquisite porcelain sets tables are preserved from the time of Maria Theresa. In the ceremonial hall often hosts weddings - the pleasure is not cheap, but is very popular.

Grassalkovich Castle is also known for its gardens and park complex - Elizabethan park, named after the Hungarian people beloved Empress Elizabeth (Sissi). In the park you can visit the museum, various exhibitions and theater (by the way, he was the first European theater). In addition, park visitors can admire the statue of Elizabeth and Calvario stucco depicting the Way of the Cross standing.

The founder of the castle was Count Antal Grassalkovich I, the owner of the town of Gödöllő. Palace designed by famous architect Andras Mayerhoffer. Gödel began to build a castle in 1733.

For the construction and decoration of the main building took about 30 years later the palace was changed several times and eventually took the form of the letter U. In 1749, the castle had been stable, luxurious reception hall, richly decorated chambers and a small chapel in the northern part of the building. The work started on the construction of the park.

In 1751 the palace Grassalkovich visited Queen Maria Theresa, who was delighted with the rich decoration of the castle. In memory of her visit to the castle remained porcelain set, which is still used today. Throughout the 18th century palace owned Grassalkovich dynasty, but with the death of its last representative Antal Grassalkovich III castle lost master.

Gödöllő Palace later changed several owners, among whom were Hungarian baron, Belgian Bank and the Hungarian people. In 1867 the castle became Grassalkovich wedding gift from Hungary to their new rulers - Emperor Franz Joseph and Princess Sissi (Elizabeth). The Imperial couple she called Castle's Royal Palace and turned it into a summer residence. Throughout the reign of couples here feast and balls, so the palace was given the nickname "Hungarian Versailles". In 1898, the Italian terrorist killed Sissi and saddened residents of the city have created a memorial in her honor, which can still be seen in the park.

In 1919 there was a revolution in Hungary, resulting in locking Gödel again passed into the hands of the people, and from 1920 to 1944. it's summer residence Regent Miklos Horthy. During World War II, a luxurious interior of the palace was looted first German and then Soviet troops - gone fine paintings, antiques and antique furniture. In 1950, the once magnificent palace given to accommodate the Soviet troops in one part of the building had a warehouse, and in the other - opened a nursing home. The state of the building nobody watched, and gradually began to crumble Grassalkovich castle.

In the early 90-ies of the last century, the Hungarian government started the reconstruction and restoration of the castle in order to preserve a beautiful masterpiece of Baroque architecture.

In our time, finishing and restoration work continues, but most of the palace has been restored and is open for visitors. The castle of Gödöllő constantly exhibitions, concerts and festivals, always attracts many tourists from all over the world.