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Written by:
Noémi Vizi
- Photos: Rajkai Péter
- Reading time: 2 minutes
Kégl Castle in Székesfehérvár – A Favorite Destination for Urban Explorers
For many visitors, Székesfehérvár is synonymous with the famous Bory Castle. Yet only a short distance away, in Csalapuszta, stands another remarkable historic building: the neo-Renaissance Kégl Castle. Although little more than its walls remain today, the castle still impresses with its grandeur. It was built between 1876 and 1878.
The history of the Kégl family can be traced back to the 17th century. The first known family member to receive a noble charter was Mihály Kégl in 1623. Living in Pressburg (today Bratislava), he worked as a pharmacist1. Since the family owned no estates of their own, they eventually moved to Transdanubia as tenants. More than two centuries later, we arrive at György Kégl, a member of the Hungarian Parliament. He purchased the estate from Countess Júlia Nádasdy of Nádasd and Fogarasföld and commissioned the construction of the castle that still stands today.
A popular story surrounds both György Kégl and the castle's architect, Alajos Hauszmann. According to legend, Kégl accidentally discharged a firearm, and the bullet struck one of Hauszmann's canine teeth2. Feeling deeply guilty, he compensated the architect by commissioning two major projects: the apartment palace at 70 Andrássy Avenue in Budapest and the castle at Csalapuszta. The latter was equipped with the most advanced technology of its time, including running water, central heating, a sewage system, servant call bells between rooms, and an electric alarm bell3.
Entering through the main entrance, visitors first arrived in the entrance hall and then the grand salon. To the right were the dining room, smoking room, and the gentleman's study, while to the left were the bedrooms of the four daughters and their governesses4. The upper floor housed the representative spaces, including the ballroom, billiard room, gentleman's salon, guest rooms, grand salon, and small salon. The castle must have been particularly magnificent during balls and social gatherings. The basement accommodated the service areas, including the kitchen and the staff's living quarters.
The castle was surrounded by a beautiful landscaped park featuring a fish pond, a fountain, and a chapel. Unfortunately, only a handful of the original trees have survived, while most were lost over the decades. Of the once elegant marble fountain, only its basin remains today.
After György Kégl's death, the estate was inherited by his son, Dezső, and remained in the family's possession until the end of the Second World War in 1945. During the Soviet occupation, the castle served as a military hospital, and when the troops departed, they took much of the interior furnishings with them. Following nationalization, the building was used for agricultural purposes, while some sources also mention that it functioned as a school. Over the years its condition steadily deteriorated. Although there were ambitious plans to transform it into a casino and luxury hotel, the renovation came to a halt after work on the roof. Today, despite being protected as a historic monument, the abandoned castle has become a popular destination for urban explorers. The property remains privately owned, but entering the building is extremely dangerous due to the risk of collapse. Even so, the Kégl Castle is well worth admiring from a safe distance.
We would like to thank Rajkai Péternek for providing the photographs.
