Palace of Sisi & Horse Show
ZoOm Hungary

Palace of Sisi

Count Antal Grassalkovich I (1694–1771), one of the most notable aristocrats of the 18th century, began the construction of the largest Baroque palace in Hungary in around 1735. The double U-shaped, 8-winged building was flanked by a church, orangery and bath house to the north, and stables and a riding hall to the south. The unique architecture of the Palace served as an exemplary model for other Hungarian palaces of the Baroque period.

The second golden age of the building began in 1867. Bought and reconstructed by the Hungarian state, the Palace was presented as a coronation gift to Emperor Francis Joseph I (1830–1916) and Queen Elizabeth (Sisi, 1837–1898) for use as a residence. The royal family would spend the spring and autumn hunting seasons here.
From 1920 onwards the Palace served as a summer retreat for Governor Miklós Horthy. This period ended with the outbreak of World War II. Although the building itself was left undamaged, most of the furnishings were carried away or destroyed by the German and Russian troops invading in 1944.
From 1945 onwards Soviet troops were stationed in the outbuildings, while the main building, classified as a historic monument, became a home for the elderly. These abuses led to a gradual decay of the Palace over the following decades.
Historical traditions, a variety of cultural events and its wonderfully restored, uniquely impressive complex and surroundings make the Palace one of the most attractive and exciting buildings and institutions in Hungary.

Lázár Horse Farm

Situated 35 km from Budapest, in the heart of Domonyvölgy, the Lázár Equestrian Park is owned by the carriage driving world champions, Vilmos and Zoltán Lázár. The resort nestles among the picturesque lakes of the Gödöllő Hills. It is a favourite destination of local and international tourists alike, seeking a venue for various programmes and functions, for relaxing, adventure accompanied by genuine Hungarian hospitality.

There are two stables in the Park, which provide a home to more than 90 horses. One group of the horses (mainly the Lipizzan) has an important role in training and during championships, while the other group are regular performers in the horse shows. When a horse becomes old and retires from driving it has a golden life as the brothers, understandably, do not want to part from him, as they know very well how much the horse contributes to their success.
A popular part of the farm is the farmyard. In this minizoo they collected samples of the traditional Hungarian farm animals such as the long-wooled racka sheep, the special mangalica Hungarian breed of pig, the grey and long-horned cattle, poultry, and the puli, the corded coated Hungarian sheepdog.
Their famous horse show includes the four-in-hand carriage driving, pony carriage driving, the display of nomad warrior archery on horseback. The show features the skills of the horsemen – making the horse lie down, cracking the whip, and competition between the horsemen. A fun competition involving the guests, a cart pulled by four oxen and the humorous show with trained donkey makes us laugh a lot. The ‘Queen Elisabeth’ equestrian show in contemporary costume, riding in a side-saddle, with hussars, connects the farm to the palace.
After the show you enjoy a traditional Hungarian lunch  with Goulash soup and Gypsy music.

Duration: ~5 hours.