Gallandau brings together the architectural history of two manor houses, exhibitions, a large green space and a range of leisure activities. The neo-Gothic manor house, the Renaissance manor house, the Esterházy Princely Chapel and the Church of Saint Stephen the King each offer a distinct historical perspective. There are also opportunities for cycling, swimming and fishing. You can tailor your stay to your own interests without having to fit all the attractions into a set itinerary.

Manor Houses and Exhibitions

The neo-Gothic manor house acquired its present appearance in 1861, with Romantic elements added to the façade and interior. Its north wing serves as an exhibition pavilion. It houses the Zoltán Kodály Memorial Room and a permanent exhibition on Karol Duchoň. Another permanent exhibition is dedicated to antique gramophones and shellac records from the collection of Kristián Takács.

The Renaissance manor house was built by František Esterházy around the turn of the 17th century. Its exhibitions include a display on bourgeois domestic life in the late 19th century and a local history exhibition about Galanta. The latter traces the area’s history from the earliest material evidence and written sources, through the development of crafts, to domestic life in the 19th and 20th centuries. The themes complement one another: one exhibition focuses on living arrangements in a particular period, while the other covers a longer historical arc.

The Museum of Local History in Galanta was founded in 1969. Its mission is to document the development of nature and society by building, protecting, studying and presenting regional collections. The history of milling in the catchment area of the Little Danube and the lower reaches of the Váh plays a special role. This focus complements the exhibitions on domestic life and town history with a look at the region’s milling history.

Chapel, Church and Park

The Esterházy Princely Chapel was built in 1871 and restored in 1998. Inside are an oil painting of the same age titled “Ukrižovanie” and Baroque stone sculptures of Saint Peter and Saint Paul dating from 1741. The Roman Catholic Church of Saint Stephen the King, by contrast, is a monumental, two-towered Neoclassical building with Baroque elements. Its Baroque altar comes from the furnishings of the Baroque chapel demolished in 1741. The two places of worship thus represent different architectural and decorative periods.

The historic park surrounding the neo-Gothic manor house is Galanta’s largest contiguous green space and offers opportunities for a short break. The park is also closely associated with Galantské trhy: the market tradition dates back to the 17th century, and a wine trail on the grounds of the neo-Gothic manor house in the city park is part of the programme every year. If you plan to attend the event, check the dates before travelling.

Cycling, Water and Other Activities

From Galanta, a cycle route connects in the direction of Kolónia, Váhovce and the Kaskády recreation area on the Váh cycle route. The cycle paths run through flat terrain and are described as easy to manage and suitable for children and less experienced cyclists. If you are considering a cycling trip, this offers a different way to explore the area than focusing on architecture and exhibitions.

Galandia is a year-round water complex with an indoor swimming pool and four stainless-steel pools. Indoor facilities include a children’s pool and a water slide. Check the operator’s latest information before your visit. Promitor Vinorum offers organised wine tastings for groups, combined with a visit to a wine cellar. The Ranč na Striebornom jazere complex includes two lakes where fishing is possible, as well as a themed children’s playground and a riding school. Each of these activities has its own focus: water, wine, fishing or horse riding. You can decide which ones suit your stay based on these different interests.

Discover more destinations: Tomášikovo, Sládkovičovo, Vozokany, Horné Saliby, Matúškovo, Šintava, Šalgočka, Šoporňa.

For the broader travel overview: Galanta.