Tucked inside a seven-hectare park in the Slovak village of Krásnohorské Podhradie, the Andrássy Mausoleum is one of the most remarkable Art Nouveau monuments in Central Europe — and one of the most touching love stories set in stone you will ever encounter. Built between 1903 and 1904 by a team of Munich artists, it stands apart from most Slovak Art Nouveau buildings, which tend to follow the Vienna-Budapest current.

The mausoleum rises from a cobbled courtyard enclosed by a white sandstone wall. Its irregular octagonal plan, dome with lantern, and two larger-than-life angel sculptures flanking the entrance set a tone of serene solemnity. Step inside and the atmosphere shifts entirely — a glass mosaic dome glitters like something from a Ravenna basilica, columns are clad in marble from Tunisia, Hungary, Switzerland and Mexico, and two white Carrara marble sarcophagi rest quietly at the centre of the space. Outside in the park, keep an eye out for the charming red marble sculpture of the couple's beloved dachshund 'Tascherl', crafted by sculptor Alojz Stróbl.

• Krásnohorské Podhradie village centre — the mausoleum is a short walk from the main road; entrance is through the gate in the stone perimeter wall.

• Guided tours are available during the tourist season; check opening hours locally before visiting.
• The nearby Krásna Hôrka Castle makes for an excellent combined day trip.

Dionýz Andrássy gave up his count's title to marry Františka Hablawetz, daughter of the director of the Vienna Conservatory. When she died in 1902, he returned from Munich and commissioned this extraordinary monument in her honour — inscribed above the entrance with their shared motto: 'Non videri sed esse' — 'Not to seem, but to be'.