Eisenstadt is the capital of the federal state of Burgenland. It is situated at the foot of the Lithuanian Mountains, surrounded by vineyards and arable fields. Its most important attractions are the Esterhazy Castle and monuments related to Józef Heydn.
The origins of the city date back to ancient times, when there was a Celtic settlement here. With time, it turned into a defensive castle, which in the Middle Ages fell into the hands of the Hungarian Kanizsai family, and then in the 17th century it became part of the extensive estates of one of the most important families in this part of Europe, Esterházy. It was during their reign that the city experienced a period of splendor and wealth, the remains of which are the baroque buildings.
The most important monument that remains of the Esterházy family is their castle, which is also the main seat of the family. Today it is open to the public together with the picturesque park surrounding it. The family of the owners also owes the city a nice Old Town with numerous baroque churches and tenement houses.
For years, Józef Heydn was a regular guest of the Esterházy and the court composer. Today, in the house where he lived, there is a museum devoted to him. In turn, in the residence you can see the composer's hall decorated with frescoes, and in the beautiful Baroque Church on the Hill (Bergkirche) there is a musician's mausoleum. The Bergkirche is also worth visiting for the chapel of Our Lady of Grace, the baroque Calvary and the treasury of the Esterházy family. Another place associated with Heydn is his herb garden with a small wooden house.
In the past, Eisenstadt was largely inhabited by Jews. The former Jewish district with an old cemetery, some buildings and a synagogue have survived to this day. One of the largest Jewish museums in Austria is also operating here.
