THE PARK

In 1433, a walled residence (curia) is mentioned in Keszthely, which likely stood near Saint Martin’s Church, on the site of today’s Festetics Palace. This enclosed manor also had a garden. With the later development of the Baroque palace, a Baroque garden was established in the 18th century. This period also saw the emergence of the two most fashionable garden types of the time: the landscape English garden and the French formal garden. The English landscape garden is characterized by the dominance of nature’s creative force over human intervention, while the French garden reflects a stronger human influence, emphasizing order and symmetry, often at the expense of naturalness. In French garden design, geometric forms (symmetry and quasi-symmetry) play a leading role, with trimmed hedges, walls, trees, and shrubs forming structured compositions.

The park experienced its golden age between 1887 and 1945, when it covered 42 hectares. Today, it has shrunk to 7.2 hectares, although more than 10 hectares are currently intensively maintained thanks to ongoing restoration projects. After 1945, the park suffered severe damage: its area was divided, and in 1986 a public road cut it in two. Although restoration was completed by 1986, the well-intentioned interventions at the time did not follow principles of historical authenticity and caused further damage. In 2015, the park was renewed with the support of the European Union. The project aimed to fully reconstruct most of the inner park according to historical garden authenticity, based on the final design created by Henry Ernest Milner.

The implementation was preceded by thorough historical (archival) research, preliminary garden archaeology investigations, as well as geodetic surveys and detailed assessments of plant conditions. The project directly affected an eight-hectare section of the park, focusing on the restoration of the most endangered or completely lost landscape elements. Among these, the most significant are the parterre, the Princess’s private garden, and the precise reconstruction of the lake and its bridge.

THE PRINCESS’S PRIVATE GARDEN
The private garden is a true French garden, with a strictly geometric, perfectly square layout. It is located in front of the southern wing inhabited by the family and belonged to the countess’s, later the princess’s, apartments. Its purpose was to provide a daily aesthetic experience for the family. Opposite the apartments stands the statue of Maria Immaculata (Weeping Virgin Mary). The garden’s intimacy is ensured by shrubs that screen it from the front approach road; it can be accessed via a narrow pathway. The planting follows diagonal symmetry, with annuals and biennials. The corners are truncated, and at the center stands a slender white stone column without a capital. It is connected to the inner courtyard by a path passing in front of the statue of Mary. In front of the library, along the path, the old ginkgo tree—already depicted in earlier drawings (even appearing on György Festetics’s calling card)—still stands today. During the reconstruction, the garden was restored to its full splendor, supported by sufficient historical source material.

THE LAKE OF THE PRINCELY PARK
Gardens can take many forms, but water—one of the essential elements of life—always plays a fundamental role. This is reflected in Milner’s design, which included the creation of a relatively small yet visually striking lake. Milner positioned it near the palace so that the waterfall feeding it—then supplied by the Csókakő stream—would be clearly visible from the building. Its orientation ensured that the palace tower would be reflected in the water when viewed from the waterfall hill or the bridge. Beyond its atmospheric role, the lake also served practical purposes: turtles and crayfish were bred in it to supply the palace kitchen with fresh ingredients, an important consideration given the distinguished guests hosted there.

In the 1970s–80s, the lake basin was partially filled in for unknown reasons, significantly reducing its size. During the 2015 reconstruction, the lake regained its original shape and size, once again reflecting the palace in its waters. The bridge crossing it was also restored according to original plans. Modern mechanical systems now ensure proper water quality. The lake’s vitality is enhanced by aquatic plants and colorful fish species, including Chinese goldfish and various types of Japanese koi.

THE FOUNTAIN OF THE FORECOURT
Also known as the “Prince of Wales Fountain,” as the water jets resemble the feather motif of the Prince of Wales’s coat of arms—though some observers see a lily flower pattern. It was built in 1887 during Milner’s large-scale redesign by Antal Hencz. The stone basin elements were carved by Anton Köck, and ram-headed stone vases were placed at the corners, traditionally planted with flowers. The fountain’s mechanical system was created by John Gramlick, including taps, pipes, nozzles, and the water supply network. Originally, five nozzle groups formed the water display: one central and four arranged along the curved edge. This appearance has been restored during reconstruction, with modern LED lighting added.

FLORA AND FAUNA
The park contains a rich variety of deciduous and evergreen native species, including ground covers, shrubs, and trees. Among them stands a nearly 500-year-old pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.), a monumental and defining specimen of the park. Ash trees, maples, and plant communities typical of Pannonian oak forests are also present. Among introduced (adventive) species, the ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.) near the southern corner of the library stands out for its age and distinctive form. It represents a transitional type between deciduous and evergreen trees, shedding its uniquely fan-shaped leaves in autumn like deciduous species.

The weeping Japanese pagoda trees (Sophora japonica ‘Pendula’) in front of the palace entrance have also become symbolic plants of the park. Due to its rich flora, the park is designated a protected natural area, overseen by the Balaton Uplands National Park. This protection—and relative insulation from urbanization and heavy traffic—benefits the fauna as well. Many animal species find safe habitats here, from lower to higher organisms. The ornamental lake, for example, provides ideal breeding and overwintering grounds for native frog species. Tree-dwelling mammals have also returned, including squirrels.

Notable species include the blue-winged grasshopper (Oedipoda caerulescens) and several bat species found in the park and palace tower, some characteristic of the Keszthely region (“Keszthelyiensis”). Thanks to the undisturbed environment, more than 40 nesting bird species can be found here, including wood pigeons, Eurasian collared doves, larks, little owls, and other owls.

Along the path leading toward the Palm House, among yews and pines, stands the square-based, Classicist-style well house known as the Lion Fountain. Built in 1822, it features two large lions—symbols of the Festetics family—carved by sculptor Joseph Klieber, placed in an arched niche on the main façade. Water flows from their mouths into a semicircular basin below. The pediments are decorated with reliefs.

In front of the palace stands the bronze statue of György Festetics, accompanied by secondary figures, created by Lajos Lukácsy. Originally located in Keszthely’s main square, it was moved to its current location in 1967. In this unique setting, under the canopy of centuries-old trees, visitors can enjoy theatrical performances on summer evenings.