Eisenstadt
Despite being Austria’s smallest provincial capital, the former seat of the Esterházy noble family range, home to some 13,000 inhabitants, has plenty to offer.
Eisenstadt is the provincial capital of Burgenland, the easternmost region of Austria. It is located at the southern end of the Leitha Mountains, just 50 minutes south of Vienna.
Must-Sees in Eisenstadt
One of the city's major landmarks is Esterházy Palace, one of the most beautiful Baroque palaces in the country. Other sights include the Calvary Mountain, Martinsdom (St. Martin’s Cathedral) dating back to the 13th century, and the Gloriette. The historic old town features many listed buildings as well as a pedestrian zone with shops, cafés, and restaurants. The districts of St. Georgen and Kleinhöflein are famous for their quaint Heurigen wine taverns; and don't miss out on Eisenstadt's surroundings, a lush wine growing region offering amazing culinary delights.
About Eisenstadt
First mentioned as "minor Mortin" in 1264, Eisenstadt has had several names and different residents over the centuries. The earliest known settlements date back to the Hallstatt Period about 800 BC. Like many other European cities, they were later inhabited by the Romans and Celts, then the Huns and Germanic tribes. The city had many rulers over the years, and was destroyed by fire twice. From 1648, it was a free city of Hungary until it was ceded to Austria in 1921. Four years later, Eisenstadt became the seat of the Burgenland government and thus the provincial capital.
Top Highlights in Eisenstadt
Explore Eisenstadt's Lifestyle
Joseph Haydn
Joseph Haydn (1732 - 1809) was born in Lower Austria. His musical talent brought him to Vienna at a young age, where he sang in the choir of the St. Stephan's Cathedral. After being employed as Kapellmeister (music director) in 1757, he was offered a similar job in 1761 by Prince Paul Anton, the head of the immensely wealthy Esterházy family. That's when the city of Eisenstadt and the composer Joseph Haydn became inseparable. For 40 years, Haydn worked as a conductor for the Esterházy family.
In 1790, the musician bid his farewells to Mozart and other friends, and left for London. Haydn's British adventures were a great success. He was even awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Oxford. According to Haydn's biography, his days in England were the happiest of his life.
Haydn's compositions include 104 symphonies, 50 concertos, 84 string quartets, 24 stage works and 12 masses, among other works.