INTERREG

Program Name:
Interreg Hungary-Slovakia Program

Project Title:
#CoMEin2 – Cooperation for reopening the Studiolo of the Esztergom Castle and the south-west part of Esterhazy manor-house in Zeliezovce

Project Summary:
The Esztergom Castle and the Esterhazy manor-house in Želiezovce are two prominent historical sites targeted for revitalization under the #CoMEin2 project.

Esztergom: Waterproofing the Danube terrace of the castle to protect the archaeological collection and showcasing Renaissance frescoes in the White Tower attributed to Botticelli.
Želiezovce: Establishing the Esterházy Historical Experience Point (EHEP), a tourism information center, and a café in the southwestern wing of the mansion.

These initiatives not only support the preservation and exhibition of cultural heritage but also employ innovative and sustainable solutions to boost local tourism and economic development.

Total Project Budget and EU Contribution:
€ 2 089 176,20 and € 1,671,340.96

Benefits of Collaboration:

Cultural Heritage Preservation: Revitalizing the Esztergom Castle and the Esterhazy manor-house to showcase their historical significance.
Economic Growth: Attracting tourists to stimulate local economies.
Strengthening Cross-Border Relationships: Hungary and Slovakia collaborating to create shared European values.
Enhancing Regional Identity: Strengthening cultural ties between the cities of Esztergom and Želiezovce.

Hungarian National Museum (MNM) part Esztergom Castle”
The Esztergom Castle, once the center of the medieval Hungarian Kingdom, holds great historical significance. However, the castle walls facing the Danube are continuously exposed to water damage, threatening their structural integrity and risking collapse onto the Víziváros below.

Key goals include waterproofing the Danube terrace, preserving the walls, and reopening the Studiolo—home to Renaissance frescoes attributed to Botticelli—to the public after 24 years. Additionally, the castle history exhibition will be completely renewed, emphasizing:

Esztergom Castle as the center of the Hungarian Kingdom for its first three centuries.
The frescoes by Sandro Botticelli as a testament to Hungary’s medieval power and cultural significance in Europe.

The Studiolo frescoes, depicting the four virtues (wisdom, temperance, strength, and justice), are the only Renaissance quattrocento frescoes north of the Alps. Beyond preserving the walls, showcasing these frescoes will be a central element of the renewed museum exhibition.

Budget:

Total: € 1,120,710.20
EU Contribution: € 896,568.16
National Contribution: € 224,142.04

Website: www.varmegom.hu
Facebook: Esztergom Castle Museum
Program Website: www.interreghusk.eu
Facebook: Interreg SKHU

MNM_Botticelli

MNM_FeherTorony

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City of Želiezovce (MZV) part Esterhazy manor-house:

The Esterhazy manor-house, a former Baroque summer residence of Count János Károly Esterházy, is located at the heart of Franz Schubert Park, near other historical landmarks like the Owl House and the Sacher House.

The mansion’s significance lies in its association with the prestigious Esterhazy family. Franz Schubert was hired by the family to teach music to their daughters during their summers in Želiezovce. The famous Franz Sacher also worked in the mansion’s kitchen, where he created the foundation of the world-renowned Sachertorte.

Past political conflicts and failed renovation attempts in the 1990s left the mansion in a state of disrepair. The ongoing project focuses on the restoration of the southwestern wing (phase two of the development).

Planned renovations include:

A new entrance door, two rooms, and social facilities.
Establishing the Esterházy Historical Experience Point (EHEP) and a tourism information center to educate visitors about regional history and promote cultural tourism.
A café to be managed by an external operator.

Budget: