Törley Castle, Budapest
Törley Castle in Budapest is a rather beautiful and large structure, located on a quiet little street in the south of Budapest, near the Danube shore. Previously, it really was an amazing estate of a famous winemaker. Now in the castle itself there is the Institute of Radio-biology. And next door there are the winery and the Törley Museum.
History of the castle
The main building of the wonderful castle was built in 1904 by architect Ray Rezső. The palace was created for the family of the famous winemaker József Törley. He created one of the most successful brands of sparkling wine outside the Champagne region. Interior decoration in the castle was completed after the death of the tycoon.
The palace is executed in the Neo-Gothic style, a small park is located around it in which today there is the burial-vault of the Törley family. During the military operations of the Second World War, the castle was significantly destroyed, for some time soldiers were based in it. In 1957 the palace was given to the Institute of Radiobiology. The interior decoration suffered from the activities of scientists. Only the dance hall was restored, which is now used for exhibitions and press conferences.
Törley Museum
Under the castle there are wine cellars, which are still used by the winery. In the neighborhood of the palace there is a museum and visitor center.
The museum has a 132-year history of the brand of sparkling wine Chevaliers Törley. In addition, the exhibition area is really unique. It is similar to a bottle of champagne. The entrance to the hall is like a "cork", and gradually the visitor passes the whole "bottle". The tour includes a small tasting. Also in the museum there is a store where you can buy your favorite beverages. When visiting the museum it is worth considering that the temperature in the cellars is 12-14 degrees Celsius.
How to get there
The Törley castle and the museum are located in Buda, Budafok district, on Anna u. 5-7. Literally next door there is Sacelláry Castle, owned by the wife of József Törley. It will be convenient to get there by the following transport:
- Tram, routes 47, 56, Savoyai Jenő tér stop.
- Bus, routes 33, 58, 114, 141, 158, 213, 214, 241, 250, 251. The stop of the Savoyai Jenő tér.
Opening hours. The castle is open only during the work of the institute:
- Monday to Tuesday from 8:00 to 16:00,
- Wednesday-Thursday from 8:00 to 15:00,
- Friday from 8:00 to 14:00.
The museum is open: on weekdays from 10:00 to 18:00, on weekends from 10:00 to 14:00. Preliminary registration is necessary. Phone number of the museum (+36) 12292300.
Entry: you can visit the castle only with the permission of the Institute. Excursion in the museum for groups of up to 15 people costs 22500 Hungarian forints from the group, for groups of more than 15 people – 1500 forints per person. At the weekend, the price is 45,000 and 3,000 forints, respectively. For tasting of some varieties of wine you will have to pay 500-700 forints. Information of March 2018.
