Galanta, the town situated between the rivers Váh and Dudváh, is linked with one of the branches of the aristocratic Magyar Esterházy family.
HISTORY
The first written record about Galanta dates back to 1237. In the 17th century the town received the market privilege. The aristocratic Esterházy family determined the way of its development to a great extent. The family left the two important historical buildings – the Renaissance Manor House (from the 17th century) and the Neo-Gothic Manor House (from the year 1860). The 19th century had the greatest impact on the town’s development. Galanta became the administrative centre of the surrounding area. In 1850 the town was connected to the Hungarian railway system, which greatly contributed to its development. The present-day Galanta and its look is the result of the construction in the second half of the 20th century, when the historical buildings were unfortunately destroyed by insensitive overall demolition.
MONUMENTS
The Renaissance Manor House was built around the year 1600 by František Esterházy. Its present-day look is the result of the reconstruction, which finished in 1992. The castle has the wedding ceremony room, the town gallery and the exposition of the Museum of National Geography. The basement of the castle is used for organizing of cultural and social events.
The Neo-Gothic Manor House was built in 1633 by brothers Daniel and Paul Esterházy as a renaissance fortress. In 1736 it was rebuilt in the baroque style. Its present-day look is the result of the vast reconstruction done by Joseph Esterházy, who was inspired by the romantic English Gothic style.
On the Main Street there is the Roman-Catholic Church of St Stephen from 1805 with the reconstructed tower clock. In the interior of the church there is the noteworthy altar from the year 1741, which was brought here from the demolished baroque Chapel of Virgin Mary. There are several well-preserved burgher houses in the town centre and one of them is the seat of the Museum of National Geography. In the old Galanta cemetery there is the funeral chapel of the Esterházy family.
RECOMMENDED TRIPS
The town and its surroundings offer relax in the Thermal centre Galandia and in the thermal swimming pools Vincov les (6 km) and Horné Saliby (10 km). At the water reservoir Kráľová, which is only 4 km far from the town, you can find the recreation and educational complex Kaskády. It provides excellent conditions for water sports such as windsurfing, water skiing and scooter riding. Besides this, the Kaskády complex offers lots of accommodation, catering as well as sports and relaxation services.
Source: Mesto Galanta
