The history of the aristocratic residence of the Esterházy family in Fertőd (once called Süttör than Eszterháza) dates back to 1720, when Jozeph Esterházy I. asked to build a palace in Baroque style, based on Anton Erhard Martinelli's design. After the death of  Jozeph Esterházy I. a greater construction work began in 1762; the enlargement of the Palace commissioned by Miklós Esterházy II. on the plans of Nicolaus Jakoby architect from Elsace.

The construction works took place in stages and were completed in 1778, when the Palace acquired it's present state.  Besides the so called residence of "Hungarian Versailles" an opera and puppet theatre were built as well. The luxurious receptions organized by Miklós Esterházy II. In Eszterháza were well known all over the country, even Queen Maria Teresia attended them. After the death of Miklós Esterházy II. the palace was abandoned for a while, its restoration  only began in 1890. The buildings suffered great damages during the II. World War. At present the Palace is under the management of the National Heritage Trust and there is Palace Museum in the building.

Coloured sketches of the palace of Esterházy. Designed by: Tamás Ferenc

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Aerial photo album / Fertőd