Godollo History, Hungary

Godollo History – Overview

Gödöllő is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hungary, an intimate town with rich Baroque architecture, transmitting something of the grace of past times.

Situated in the Budapest metropolitan area, it is very easily accessible either by train or subway, bus or car, so after - or before - viewing the astonishing Budapest Sights and Budapest Nightlife, a day-trip from the capital to Gödöllő will be a real must.

Gödöllő was declared town on 1 January 1966. Yet, the place had been important long before that date, in terms of politics, economics, culture and tourism as well.

Godollo History – Glimpse of the Past

A Godollo history book would take us back to the 14th century: as a settlement, Gödöllő was registered from 1349. Yet, it was from the beginning of the 18th century that the place truly gained importance, when the politician and count Antal Grassalkovich purchased the territory and built his gorgeous Baroque castle there. It was in Grassalkovich’s time that Gödöllő started to progress and most of its monuments were built in this period. After the death of the last Grassalkovich in the middle of the 19th century, the town became the propriety of a number of owners ranging from a Belgian bank to political leaders and even to prince Windishgratz.

With the 1867 compromise and the formation of Austria-Hungary, the Hungarian state re-bought the territory from the bank and gave it as a coronation gift to the royal couple: to Franz Josef, Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary and Empress and Queen Elisabeth. Elisabeth, the beloved queen Sisi adored spending time here, the palace was a real haven for her. As a royal summer residence, Gödöllő prospered vividly in every possible way: the infrastructure developed, so did the agriculture and not to speak of tourism.

The 20th century brought major changes in the development of the town: in the interwar period Gödöllő was the residence of political leader Miklós Horthy, it was a period of development. Then, after the Second World War, the royal palace deteriorated badly as it was a sedentary place for Soviet troops for some time. However, it was in this period that the Szent István University was established, and the agriculture and the industry progressed. Later, as the reconstruction of the royal palace started in the middle of the eighties, so did the tourism of Gödöllő.

The palace awaits the visitors to admire its splendor, to view the exhibitions – including of course the exhibition dedicated to the memory of Queen Elisabeth –, and to have a walk in the beautiful parks surrounding the palace. The Town Museum of Gödöllő, the Pilgrimage Temple and other sites will make your visit colorful.