„One is calm here…”

Queen Elizabeth’s Palace in Gödöllő

Abstract

Queen Elizabeth turned with extraordinary sympathy towards the self-conscious Hungarian people who yearn for freedom. She learned the Hungarian language, she chose Hungarian people as her courtiers, whom she could trust. The Queen spent a lot of time on Hungarian land: according to historian Sándor Márki, 2663 days, of which more than 2000 nights at the Gödöllő Palace. The Gödöllő manor, with the baroque castle of the Grassalkovichs and the forest, was purchased by the Hungarian state in 1867 and was put to use by the Royal family of the time. The royal couple primarily used it as a hunting lodge, it became their real family castle, where they spent much more time together and with their children.

Elizabeth's name day (Nov. 19) and birthday (Dec. 24) became real holidays in Hungary during the royal era. The Queen celebrated her name day and birthday many times with her family in Gödöllő Palace. At that time, the people of Gödöllő greeted their beloved queen with a serenade and torchlight procession. The Gödöllő Palace became an important place in Queen Elizabeth's life. She could feel herself there truly free and also found peace. As the Queen's life has changed, so did the life in the castle, which is why contemporary sources called it "the Queen's castle". In the 1870s, Queen Elizabeth spent the most of her time at the castle, at that time riding and hunting were the most important things in Elisabeth's life, and the most suitable place for this was the Gödöllő hills.

Then, towards the middle of the 1880s, she stopped riding for health reasons on the advice of his doctors. Queen Elizabeth started long walks and found beautiful walking paths in the forests of Gödöllő. Finally, in the 1890s, when she could’t find her place in the world, so she traveled constantly, yearning for solitude and peace, she visited Gödöllő for less and less time. The castle became "quiet". Although hunting was still beeing held, but without Queen Elizabeth, who prefered to take a walk in the castle park and in the surrounding woods instead, enjoying the silence.

Photo: Fortepan / Budapest City Archives / Photos of György Klösz