Gloriette Castle

The Gloriette was the first garden building that Prince Nikolaus II Esterházy had built in Eisenstadt at the beginning of the 19th century, in the immediate vicinity of the castle. The originally named "Maria Temple" is built in the style of a Greek temple. Construction of the Gloriette began in 1804 according to plans by architect Charles de Moreau. It was completed just one year later. In the 19th century, the Gloriette was temporarily used as a hunting lodge. In the early 1830s, the Gloriette was sold to the city of Eisenstadt. The history of the building during the 20th century is very varied. The Gloriette was significantly damaged in the Second World War. From the early 1950s to the 1960s, it was then converted into a youth hostel. Subsequently, the building stood empty and from 1979 became a popular meeting place for the citizens of Eisenach. In 1995, a devastating fire caused severe damage. Four years later, renovation began. Completion took place in January 2004. From March 2004, the Gloriette is to be available for various events.