The history of gardens is as wild and varied as the native landscapes that they replace.   The knowledge of what garden culture existed, combined with an understanding of the evolution of design, acts to embellish one's philosophy.   Principles from the past may be applied today.  Preservation and restoration are important issues.

A Hungarian Survey

Visegrád, Hungary on the Danube Bend.  The Upper Castle above, and the Lower Residence of King Mathius, below.  

The original King Mattius fountain, 16th century

The replica fountain in sutto marble.

The Hercules Fountain at Visegrad is one of the wonders of the Garden History world.  It was reputedly the first Renaissance fountain built outside Italy in this period.  King Mathius's second wife, Kathryn of Aragon, was the link.

Left:  Hufnagel engraving, 1617.

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Lovasbereny

Alcsut

Deg

Csakvar

The Hungarian kastély is the equivalent of the French chateau or English manor.  In the mid-19th century,
​the style was rather formulaic.

Tata: Part of a Renaissance castle turned summer house.

The Moreau ruins in the English Garden.

The authentic Roman headstone incorporated into the ruin.

Nagytétény

Ráckeve detail.

The English summary in this survey of Hungarian Baroque gardens was the result of many conversations about this era of garden history. I thank Kristof for the opportunity to be a small part of his project. It was an excellent learning experience.