🎻 A Royal Visit: The Palace of Gödöllő and the Spirit of Empress Sisi

During my recent trip to Hungary, I visited the Royal Palace of Gödöllő, the beloved summer residence of Empress Elisabeth of Austria—Sisi—Queen of Hungary. My visit was inspired by a PBS series about her life, which sparked my curiosity about this fascinating historical figure.

The palace, beautifully preserved, stands surrounded by a lush botanical garden and a vast park, both inviting peaceful reflection.

Inside, I admired portraits of Sisi from her 16th year through her coronation and into her mature years—each capturing her grace, beauty, independence.....

...and passion for horses.

Although there was no indication that Sisi played the piano, the palace retains the refined atmosphere of her era. In the grand concert hall, I found a modern Yamaha piano ready for performances and a historic brown piano that seemed to echo the music of the 19th century.

The visit was both historical and inspiring—an encounter with beauty, elegance, and quiet nostalgia. Gödöllő offered not just a glimpse into royal life but a reminder of how art and music transcend time.