Eisenstadt

Publicado: 29/05/2007

TODOELLAS.COM

With 13,000 inhabitants, Eisenstadt is Austria's smallest provincial capital. The former seat of the Esterhazy noble family delightfully nestles at the foot of the Leitha mountain range and has plenty to offer for its guests.

Eisenstadt's major attraction is Schloss Esterházy (1364). Count Esterhazy restored it initially in Baroque and later in classical style (1663-1672). Today the palace serves as venue for a range of cultural events including the orchestral concerts and operas of the famous Haydn festival.

Joseph Haydn, a leading composer of the classical period, left a lasting impression on Eisenstadt where he lived and worked as prince Esterhazy's Kapellmeister (music director) for over 40 years. Today Haydn's white marble tomb can be seen in the Bergkirche (Haydnkirche). Other sights include the Haydn mausoleum and the Haydn House. A Haydn Festival is staged every year from early to mid September.

Other worthwhile sights include the Calvary Mountain, Martinsdom (St. Martin's Cathedral) dating from the 13th century, and the Gloriette with its formerly baroque gardens that were redesigned as English landscape gardens around 1800.

The historic old town has many protected buildings, and a pedestrian-only area with shops, cafés and restaurants. The districts of St. Georgen and Kleinhöflein are famous for their quaint Heurigen wine taverns ideal to while away warm summer nights.