Esterházy: Year-round cultural offering
Palace quarter in Eisenstadt
Esterházy Palace, centrally and prominently located in Burgenland's capital, Eisenstadt, was once the birthplace and residence of powerful tycoons, and is considered one of Austria’s most beautiful Baroque castles. Today it is a museum, culture and event location as well as a research center. It accommodates part of the unique private collection of the historic House of Esterházy. Only an hour away from Vienna by car, the unique Pannonian landscape features extraordinary palaces, castles and natural monuments. The Esterházy private foundation’s claim to create a link between the past and the present and interpret history based on a contemporary approach is evident not only in the outstanding, innovative exhibitions at Esterházy Palace but also in the palace quarter. For example, the former court stables are now home to “Henrici,” a top restaurant serving Pannonian and Mediterranean cuisine. Right next door, you can enjoy the splendid wines of the Burgenland at the “Selektion Vinothek Burgenland.” Or enjoy the regional treats of the season at the “Kulinarium Burgenland Market Hall.” The Herbstgold Festival will be held at Esterházy Palace from September 11 to 25, 2022. It will combine the aspects of classical, jazz and Balkan Roma music with food & wine and the tradition of the historic location.
Forchtenstein Castle
The castle dates back to the 13th century. In 1622, it came into the possession of the Esterházy family, which gave it its present appearance: Forchtenstein Castle, an impressive building and bulwark, is Burgenland’s monumental landmark. The weapons and armaments of the Esterházy princes are still stored here. Prince Paul I, an important founding father of the dynasty, established his unique "chamber of art and wonders" here – which he proudly called a "treasure chamber" in his will – as well as an extensive historic archive. The castle still exudes the magic of times long gone to this very day. After "conquering" the castle, you can raise a glass of Esterházy wine at the "Grenadier" café-restaurant, built in authentic style and featuring a spectacular view.
St. Margarethen Quarry
The St. Margarethen Quarry is one of the largest and oldest quarries in Europe. The valuable lime sandstone from St. Margarethen was used as early as in Antiquity; its geological origins can be traced back to a primeval inland sea. The stone is quarried to this day and has been used for such projects as the construction and restoration of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna and the erection of many buildings along Vienna’s Ringstrasse. In the 20th century, this giant from ancient times yielded numerous significant fossils (some of which were 25 million years old). The St. Margarethen Quarry and Fertő-Neusiedler Lake region were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. The quarry is home to one of the most impressive open-air stages in Europe and will present "Nabucco" by Giuseppe Verdi in 2022. "Va, pensiero, sull'ali dorate – Fly, thought, on golden wings...". The famous choir of prisoners made Giuseppe Verdi an overnight star. This moving choir crowns a stirring story of hope, delusion, retribution and unshakable belief on a biblical scale, which finds its ideal backdrop in the landscape and tradition of the St. Margarethen quarry. More information: www.operimsteinbruch.at
www.henrici.at
www.selektion-burgenland.at
www.markthalle-burgenland.com
Getting there: By car: A2 towards Graz, exit at "Eisenstadt" onto A3, exit at "Eisenstadt Mitte", continue on "Mattersburger Strasse" to roundabout, take first exit, follow "Ruster Strasse" to Esterházy Palace (duration: approx. 45 - 60 minutes). By bus from Vienna Südtirolerplatz to Eisenstadt.
Getting there: By car, via the A2/A3 towards Eisenstadt (see above), continue on the S31 to the Forchtenstein exit. By bus from Vienna Südtirolerplatz to Forchtenstein.
Ticket agency pan.event GmbH
www.panevent.at
Esterhazyplatz 4
7000 Eisenstadt
Email: tickets@panevent.at
Tel. +43-(0)2682-650 65
Pan.Reisen (Esterhazy Tourism Team)
Booking of custom-tailored supporting programs for groups:
Email: reisen@panevent.at
Tel. +43 (0)2682-630 04 72 30
