03.07.2023.
Godollo Palace is a magnifiscient retreat into history at the threshold of Budapest. It was an ancient home of the Austro-Hungarian princess Sissi so all the fans will be enchanted to visit. This Royal Palace is a Hungarian version of the Versaille Palace or the imposant Castle Chantilly.
Imposant in the Baroque style, this Hungarian palace is also known as the Grassalkovich Castle. Paving seeds at the beginning of the 18th century, it became the favourite of the Queen Elisabeth.
Visiting Godollo Palace represents an awesome day trip from Budapest. It’s a hidden gem that will take you into the elegant world of royalty. Discover its pure charm in my Instagram video.
1. It was a royal home of princess Sissi
What makes the Royal Palace of Godollo instantely recognizable is the fact that it was the residence to the Queen Elisabeth. Visiting this gorgeous palace shapes the story of Sissi while you admire her appearance or begin to. During my visit the temporary exhibition demonstrated the amazing collection by Sissi’s fans. It’s an awesome opportunity to unveil the story of Sissi as I found her traces in Madeira, Corfu, Merano and others.
Godollo Palace, the view from a garden
You might not think of Hungary while mentioning Sissi, but she was adorable Hungarian queen. Passionate about travel and hiking, Sissi brought a peaceful seal in Hungary.
Sissi was fluent in Hungarian and recognized a warm welcome during her stay. After her death, the memorial park was added to the garden.
2. Learn about the Hungarian history
The Hungarian history becomes more clear to all the visitors as the Palace represents the Hungarian independence. It’s also one of the largest monuments dedicated to the royal importance of the country.
The Count Anton Grassalkovich made the initial steps into the Palace’s existence. Being the president of Hungarian Chamber, Grassalkovich had the honour to follow the example of Palace in Bratislava. Grassalkovich was also the administrator of the Empress Maria Theresa.
The detail at Godollo Palace near Budapest
András Mayerhoffer lead the construction, that began around 1733.
The double U shape characterises the Palace with the large park embracing its shine. Several modifications shaped the castle during the 18th century. The third generation of Geassalkovich family took a final outlook.
During the past, the rich concept defined the castle. It included a church, a theatre, a greenhouse for flowers and riding hall.
Godollo Palace finally changed the owners after Grasssalkovich death and became the royal property in 1867.
3. Excellent day trip from Budapest
Visiting Godollo Pallace means taking a relaxing day in an elegant manner. Being away from the hustle and bustle of the city feels totally recharging while discovering a pearl of Hungary.
It’s very easy to reach the Palace from central Budapest. Not far from Fisherman’s Bastion, go to the metro station Batthyany Ter. You need to take a suburbain train in the direction of Ors vezer tere (Hev station). Unfortunatelly, it’s not a direct one as you need to change in Budapest Keleti. After arriving in Godollo, you’ll find the Palace just across the station.
The price is only a few euros for the return ticket (perhaps 5€).
If you would like more than just a simple visit, Get Your Guide provides cozy tours event he private ones.
4. Gardens are free to visit
It’s quite surprising that you can visit gardens without charge though it would be pitty to miss the Palace. It’s still a fantastic opportunity during the spring time, specially for locals. Even the people who stay longer in Budapest can cozily come several times.
Late spring and summer often expect the most number of visitors. I visited at the end of February, which felt like a precious gem.
Love Lock at the gardens of the Godollo Palace
There are two kind of tickets: one which include the permanent exhibition (rooms where Sissi and Franz Joseph lived) and temporary exhibition. Upon buying the tickets, the lady said: „You can visit the gardens for free. Are you sure you want to buy the ticket?“.
Visits are not individual, but with a guide who is actually only a keeper (no explanations about the Palace).
Baroque Theatre (from the brochures) is possible as a separate tour, with a proper guide.
English garden are even proclaimed a natural reserve in 1998.
5. It resembles Versaille
Elegant and royal, it’s the Hungarian answer to Versaille. Godollo Palace is dedicated to the role and meaning of the adorable Queen Elisabeth or Sissi.
Many visitors come to visit Godollo Palace because of Sissi and what it represented for Hungary. In the colourful shine of the Palace you can feel the Sissi’s gentle memory and style.
Colourful and pretty fireplace at Godollo Palace
Godollo Palace came in hands of Elisabeth and Francis Joseph I as a coronation gift in 1867. In this way, they had a countryside retreat along the Castle in Buda and Vienna. The favourite spot of Sissi was her place of solitude. The relaxed way of life in Godollo was the recharging point for the whole family.
The largest Baroque Palace in the world silently speaks of the astonishing history.
6. Still rather undiscovered
The first question that comes in mind upon mentioning Godollo Palace to most people would be: „Never heard“. Even Sissi remains a mistery for many people, particularly non-Europeans.
Sissi’s room at Godollo Palace
If you’re enthusiastic about palaces, Godollo will offer its exquisite charm. It’s a places that carves in itself the symphony of the Hungarian past.
Godollo is not as famous as other royal palaces, which represents a fantastic reason to step into the romantic history.
7. Hosting various artistic events
In the exquisite ambience of the palace you can enjoy the treasure of artistic performances. It’s an opportunity to discover Hungary in the new perspective.
Having your own wedding will bring you upon the royal wings in the most important event of your life. Your dreams hold the golden frame to the utmost success.
Baroque Theatre has an honour to host amazing concerts as a separate building. With the Baroque paintings you will have the world of fantasy at the palm of your hands. Since reconstruction in 2003, it got the new level of quality.
Being suitable for children, Museum brings the secret system of games in the royal suites. The relaxing atmosphere of the Park offers the imaginational tunnels at the lovely boardgames.
Ceremonial Hall is particularly appropriate for various conferences enriching your motivation to success.
Final thoughts
The elegant atmosphere of Godollo Palace holds a special embrace of Hungary. Its relaxing throne is a perfect sign to discover more than Budapest. Particularly convenient for Sissi’s fans, Godollo Palace is your entrance to royalty.
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I went to Budapest in 2011 but I didn’t visit Godollo Palace – I am one of those people who has never heard of it! It looks so beautiful though, and it was interesting to read about the history of it. Thank you for sharing!
I love this! I hadn’t heard of Godollo Palace before but I’d love to visit in the future – Budapest’s on my bucket list so I’ll have to visit when I make it there! The palace is so beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing x
I’ve never been to Budapest but I think I would like to visit Godollo Palace. It’s great information in this post – thank you!