In the third instalment of our series featuring castles in Hungary, we’re taking an easy 45-minute drive from the capital on the M3 highway to visit a place that was favoured by Empress Elisabeth–affectionately known as Sisi.

We like to take you places in this blog, to shed some light on why Hungary has become such a popular filming destination for international productions and highlight different aspects of the country. This time we’re visiting a right royal destination. 

Our other motivation? We’re in the middle of a Sisi-fest–there are currently two TV series and a film running on various streaming platforms featuring The Empress of Ausrtria. That’s prompted us to take a look at the Royal Palace of Gödöllő, one-time playground of the queen.

This is the largest baroque castle in Hungary, built in the mid 18th century by Count Antal Grassalkovich. Constructed in a double U-shape and surrounded by a huge park, the building itself underwent expansion and several modifications which led to it containing, besides its residential wings, a church, a theatre, a riding-hall, a hothouse and an orangery. Clearly, any castle worth its salt is not complete unless you have a place to grow fruit trees indoors.

Once the male lineage of the Grassalkovich family died out, the palace was eventually bought by the Hungarian state and then given as a coronation present in 1867 to the royal couple, Emperor Franz Joseph and his bride, Elisabeth. The significance of this gesture was that the palace became not only the official Hungarian residence of the Emperor (who had also become King of Hungary), it also represented Hungary getting its independent statehood back with the establishment of the Austrian-Hungarian empire.    

The royal family spent several months of the year in Gödöllő. The castle became a favourite spot for Empress Sisi as it offered a welcome respite from the confines of the Viennese court; she even managed to learn fluent Hungarian!

A couple of World Wars and a stint as an elderly persons’ home during communism took their toll, but the castle was eventually restored to its former glory as an historical and tourist landmark. Visitors can glimpse a bit of history through its meticulously reconstructed interiors.

One of the most impressive features of the castle museum is the Empress Elisabeth Exhibition which has been noted for its accuracy and attention to detail.

The palace is yet another location in central Europe where filmmakers can make great use of grand architectural style and historic locations. Make period movie magic by shooting in Hungary!

Flatpack Films has years of experience servicing international brands, agencies, and production companies. Filming in Hungary is easy when relying on their knowledge of the market and ability to solve complex needs. They bring the best that Hungary has to offer in terms of unique locations, exceptionally skilled crews, top-of-the-line equipment and technical solutions. Backed by an impeccable track record, Flatpack Films has worked with world-class clients including Samsung, Samsonite, Toyota, Braun, Chivas Regal and many more.

Get in touch and learn more about Budapest film locations, Hungarian film incentives, film tax credits in Hungary and how Flatpack Films can bring your project to life through a highly bespoke approach.

Sources:

 https://kiralyikastely.hu/erzsebet-kiralyne-es-godollo-kapcsolata.html

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Palace_of_Gödöllő