The Site

Hungary’s historic gardens and landscapes are invaluable cultural assets that reflect centuries of artistic vision, horticultural expertise, and evolving environmental stewardship. Two particularly noteworthy sites in Fejér County, the historic parks and gardens at Amadé-Bajzáth-Pappenheim Palace in Iszkaszentgyörgy and the Károlyi Palace in Fehérvárcsurgó, exemplify this rich garden heritage, each bearing distinct historical layers and carefully designed landscapes that continue to shape the region’s cultural identity.

Iszkaszentgyörgy, an estate with a history tracing back to the 18th century, is a remarkable example of a Hungarian aristocratic residence surrounded by a Baroque-inspired landscape garden. The palace itself, shaped by multiple periods of architectural transformation, is complemented by formal gardens, scenic groves, and a historic boxwood labyrinth, elements that define its structured and picturesque character. The estate’s landscape park, influenced by 19th-century Romantic design, incorporates a historic 'vue', an intentionally framed visual opening in the forest that once provided a curated perspective of the surrounding environment. The estate’s centuries-old trees and delicate garden compositions reflect the interconnectedness of artistic intention and ecological significance.

Fehérvárcsurgó, located a short distance away, presents a contrasting yet equally distinguished approach to historic park and garden design. The Károlyi Palace, is an estate that dates back to the 17th century with the palace itself dating to the second decade of the 18th century. The palace compound is surrounded by a 50-hectare natural heritage area, which includes a 25-hectare historic park and an extensive wooded area. The park, originally developed in the 1840s and 1850s, was later enriched with additional plantings in the 1910s, incorporating a diverse selection of deciduous and evergreen species chosen for their aesthetic qualities. Among its notable features are a serpentine-shaped artificial lake, a small island, and a gloriette, all contributing to its scenic character. Following decades of decline after nationalisation in 1945, extensive conservation and restoration efforts began in the 1990s, revitalising both the palace and its landscape. More recent initiatives have focused on preserving historic trees, restoring the original garden structure, and expanding the park’s botanical diversity through the development of a dendrological path, launched in 2023 to further enhance the site's ecological and educational value.

The preservation and ongoing development of these landscapes are supported by initiatives such as those led by the Hungarian Garden Heritage Foundation. As a non-governmental umbrella organisation, the foundation integrates and supports research, conservation, and sustainable management of Hungary’s historic parks and gardens. It actively promotes traditional maintenance methods, encourages climate adaptation strategies in heritage gardens, and advocates for the legal recognition and protection of significant landscape heritage sites. By engaging a broad spectrum of professionals, policymakers, and the wider public, the foundation plays an important role in ensuring that Hungary’s designed landscapes remain not only protected but also valued as living cultural and ecological resources.

Both Iszkaszentgyörgy and Fehérvárcsurgó parks and gardens are exemplary sites where historical and ecological narratives converge, offering insights into the evolving relationship between cultural heritage and environmental sustainability. Their preservation and continued management highlight the importance of integrating heritage conservation with ecological awareness, ensuring that these landscapes remain alive and accessible for future generations.

The Project

The project will focus on two estates in Fejér County: the Amadé-Bajzáth-Pappenheim Palace in Iszkaszentgyörgy and the Károlyi Palace in Fehérvárcsurgó, both of which feature extensive parks and gardens shaped by centuries of evolving landscape design. There the participants will engage in conservation efforts that will help preserve the aesthetic, botanical, and ecological integrity of these historic sites.

At Iszkaszentgyörgy, the project will focus on restoring and maintaining elements of the formal gardens and the landscape park. A primary task will be the rehabilitation of a historic vue, a designed visual corridor framed by trees and vegetation, which has been lost due to overgrowth. Clearing selected vegetation will reinstate this feature, restoring the intended sightlines across the estate. Additionally, efforts will continue on reconstructing the historic boxwood labyrinth, an integral part of the garden’s structured design. The estate is also home to several centuries-old trees, requiring arboricultural care, including soil treatments and selective removal of deadwood to ensure their long-term health. Maintenance tasks will extend to collecting fallen branches and clearing organic debris, reinforcing the balance between conservation and active landscape management.

At Fehérvárcsurgó, work will contribute to the conservation and enrichment of the dendrological path, aimed at increasing the site’s botanical diversity while preserving its historic landscape character. The participants will be involved in planting a variety of tree species and shrubs, ensuring that new growth aligns with the site’s historical and ecological framework. Maintenance efforts will focus on the care of young trees, requiring watering, pruning, and protective measures to ensure their adaptation to the environment. Another important task will be the rehabilitation of a barefoot path, a sensory trail designed to encourage engagement with the natural elements of the park. As in Iszkaszentgyörgy, the removal of deadwood and biological material will also be an essential aspect of the work.

All tasks will be supervised by Technical Instructors with expertise in landscape architecture, specialising in research, landscape planning, and conservation of park and garden heritage.

In addition to the conservation efforts, the educational programme will introduce the participants to historic park and garden conservation, arboriculture, and the role of designed landscapes in cultural heritage management. Site visits and expert-led discussions will provide insight into the challenges of maintaining historic parks and gardens and the importance of sustainable landscape practices in heritage conservation. An essential component of the programme will be the participants’ presentations, where each participant will deliver a presentation on historically significant parks or gardens in their home country, with a particular focus on traditional landscape management, conservation strategies, and biodiversity preservation. These sessions will encourage an exchange of perspectives on landscape conservation methodologies and develop professional dialogue on the intersection of cultural and natural heritage.

This project offers a unique opportunity to engage with the living heritage of two exceptional historic parks and garden, contributing to their conservation while exploring the intersection of cultural heritage, ecological sustainability, and historic landscape management. The work carried out will not only support the long-term preservation of these sites but also enhance their accessibility and educational value for future generations.

The project will take place from August 3rd to August 16th, 2025, and is jointly organised by European Heritage Volunteers and the Hungarian Garden Heritage Foundation, in collaboration with the International Dendrological Foundation, the Károlyi József Foundation, and the Iszkaszentgyörgy Municipality.