The Esterházy Palace in Csákvár is one of Hungary's grandest aristocratic residences, wrapped in a sprawling historic English park that impresses in every season. It's a place where 18th-century noble history meets centuries-old trees and quiet garden paths.

The 77-hectare park is a real treat for nature and architecture lovers alike — among nearly 400 tree species, including plane trees and horse chestnuts over 200 years old, you'll find scattered statues and small garden structures. Summer brings deep shade under the old canopy, autumn paints the grounds in warm colors, and winter gives the palace a quiet, atmospheric backdrop against bare branches. The palace itself, though now serving as a hospital, still impresses with its classicist facade and layered 18th-century history.

How to get there

• Csákvár town center — short walk, a few minutes, easy
• The park is accessible directly from around the palace grounds, no marked hiking trails needed

Practical information

• The palace has functioned as a hospital since 1954 (originally a TB hospital, now part of Szent György Hospital)
• Two red marble fountains stand in front of the palace, each decorated with a bronze theatrical mask
• The park was designed by Isidore Canevale and first planted starting in 1779

The palace once had 365 rooms — one for every day of the year — including a library, picture gallery, theater hall, chapel and hunting room.