Nikolaus Esterházy

Born into the noble and wealthy Esterházy family, Nikolaus became a renowned aristocrat, military leader and patron of arts in Hungarian history.

Due to loyalty to the Habsburg dynasty and the Roman Catholic Church, the Esterházy family managed to accumulate an enormous wealth and emerged as one of the greatest landowning family in the Hungarian Empire. Their fortune was created through conquests against the Ottoman Turks, seizing Protestants’ land during the counter-reformation, and wise marriage policy.

Although Nikolaus was inclined toward the culture and philanthropy, and was educated by the Jesuits, he achieved a distinguished military career and was rewarded with an appointment as captain of Empress Maria Theresa’s Hungarian bodyguards. He was also given the coveted Order of the Golden Fleece. Following his brother’s death in 1762, Nikolaus became the head of the family and assumed the title of prince. That same year, he ordered to begin the construction of splendid Esterhaza Palace in Fertotó which became known as “Hungarian Versailles”. He was also known for his extravagant clothing and wearing of jewels.

During his lifetime he gained reputation as a generous benefactor of ordinary people as well as those with talent. The famous composer Joseph Haydn was his protégé for 30 years. The death of his wife Maria Elisabeth in 1790 depressed him gravely and seven months later Nikolaus died as well.