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Written by:
Noémi Vizi
- Photos: Hadobás Martin
- Reading time: 3 minutes
The Prónay–Patay Castle – A Wedding Gift Turned into a Masterpiece
Nászajándéknak épült, magyar Versailles-nek is nevezik. Az acsaújlaki kastély kívülről a felvidéki reneszánsz várkastélyokat eleveníti meg, különösen a saroktornyaival; belülről nemesi eleganciát tükröz. A helyszín Acsaújlak, amely Budapesttől 50 percnyi autóútra található, a Galga és a Sápi folyó összefolyásánál. Acha települést 1347-ben említik először, az acsa kifejezés ótörök eredetű, jelentése rokon, atya1. Szép párhuzam vonható a település nevének eredete és Prónay Dezső, lánya felé irányuló atyai gondoskodása között.
The history of the Prónay family dates back to 1279, when they received land from King Béla IV of Hungary. Another significant milestone came in 1770, when Empress Maria Theresa elevated the family to the rank of barons. The castle in Acsaújlak is closely associated with Baron Dezső Prónay, who served as the Chief Inspector of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hungary. His wealth and status are reflected in the extraordinary gift he commissioned for his daughter, Iphigenia, and her husband, Tibor Patay, the county lord lieutenant. Since the family's entailed estate (fideicommissum) could only be inherited through the male line, it became necessary to establish a new residence for the baron's daughter.
The land on which the castle stands was originally known as the Sápi Manor, purchased by Baron Prónay in 1905. Construction took place between 1907 and 1910. Once the building was completed, the surrounding park was landscaped with trees and plants brought from the baron's estates in Upper Hungary. The castle earned the nickname "Hungarian Versailles" because its interiors feature the favorite colors of Louis XIV, the Sun King—Bourbon blue, Bourbon green, and Bourbon red. Furthermore, the authentic gilded reproductions of the famous Mathieu wall sconces and chandeliers, otherwise found only in the Palace of Versailles, also adorn the castle's interiors.
Vérvonaluk hosszú életű, Iphigénia 92, három fia pedig 99, 101 és 105 éves korukig élt5. A 2019-ben 105 éves Patay Pál régészprofesszor a Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum főmúzeológusa volt. A XIII. századtól kezdve a XXI. századig folyamatosan megbecsült, magas társadalmi rangot biztosító pozíciókat töltöttek be, a bírótól a professzorig. Nevükhöz méltó – bár már nem a család tulajdonában lévő –, mai napig nagy becsben tartott acsaújlaki kastély.
The castle was nationalized in the 1950s and, in 1986, became one of Hungary's first castle hotels. A few years later, in 1993, it was purchased by a German hunting enthusiast, whose influence can still be seen today in the hunting motifs incorporated into the frescoes and stained-glass windows. Following a major restoration in 2011–2012, the original floor plan was carefully preserved while elegant suites, guest rooms, reception areas, a library, and dining rooms were created. Modern expectations were also taken into account with the addition of a wellness area featuring swimming pools, a steam bath, and saunas.
Since 2017, the castle has operated as a visitor centre while also serving as a venue for photo shoots, film productions, family celebrations, and corporate events. One of its most unique experiences is the opportunity to enjoy a private picnic in the castle park, allowing visitors to step back into the early 20th century and stroll along the same paths and beneath the same trees where Tibor Patay and his wife, Iphigenia, once spent their everyday lives.
The castle is open to visitors with an admission ticket, which includes a guided tour. This offers guests the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of both the history of the family and the castle itself. It makes for an ideal destination for a relaxing weekend getaway or even a memorable day trip during the week for the whole family.
Köszönjük a képeket: Németh Lászlónak, Hadobás Martinnak és a Gyémántfelhő Kft-nek.
