Horváth M. Ferenc (szerk.): Vác The heart of the Danube Bend. A historical guide for residents and globetrotters (Vác, 2009)
Tartalom
EXCURSIONS AROUND THE TOWN 271 Grassalkovich Palace Gödöllő............................... After the Ottoman occupation Gödöllő was populated by a Protestant community. Due to the developing activ- Grassalkovich ity of Antal Grassalkovich, who had risen to the rank of a nobleman from a propertiless gentry, by 1763 Gödöllő became a market town. Grassalkovich's descendants did not increase the property, the indebted heirs sold the castle in 1850. The new owner did not take roots at Gödöllő; as a result the residency was put to the disposal of Emperor Francis Joseph I and Queen Elizabeth as a coronation gift by the Hungarian State in 1867.The royal family often stayed in Gödöllő, which resulted in prosperity in the life of the town. Between 1901 and 1920 Gödöllő housed the only organized colony of artists of Hungarian Art Nouveau. Gödöllő got the rank of town in 1966. Máriabesnyő, a part of Gödöllő is a well-known place of pilgrimage due to the holy church dedicated to Our Lady. Sights: Grassalkovich Castle built by András Mayerhoffer (early 18th century, 1746-1749, 1782-1785, 1867), today Royal Castle Museum of Gödöllő • in the town centre: Hamvay Manor House, later inn (1662, rebuilt in the middle of Queen Elisabeth's statue in the town park the 18th century), local museum since 1988 • in Máriabesnyő: Baroque Roman Catholic church of the Capuchin Order (1760s) with the Grassalkovich family vault in the crypt Programmes: International Harp Festival • chamber music and piano festival • Baroque Castle Days • horse riding in Domony and Babat valleys
