Mauzóleum Andrássyovcov
In the former Andrássy estate, in the village of Krásnohorské Podhradie, stands a unique Art Nouveau mausoleum. Františka, the wife of Dionýz Andrássy, was the first to find rest in the mausoleum, which was built in her honor. Dionýz returned to his native region precisely after her death and had her remains transported from Munich. The event, also known as the grand Krásnohorská funeral, took place in great splendor. In 1913, Dionýz himself found his final resting place in the mausoleum. Visit the monumental mausoleum, whose simple exterior decoration is complemented by rich interior decorations in the form of ornaments and reliefs. The tour takes approximately 20 minutes and you can plan it daily except Mondays.
The Art Nouveau building is unique in Slovakia also thanks to the influence of Munich artists, as most Art Nouveau buildings in Slovakia were influenced by the Vienna-Budapest stream. Among the designs for the grandiose tomb were also spaces of the well-known Hrad Krásna Hôrka, which was part of the estate. However, Dionýz ultimately decided on a separate building.
The mausoleum is built in the middle of a courtyard that is part of an extensive park. The tour of the park also has its own charm. It is complemented by several sculptural masterpieces. Among them towers a red marble statue of a dachshund. The Andrássy spouses, who had no children and during their lives helped other children, orphans, and widows, had their pet immortalized in this way. The courtyard itself with the mausoleum is surrounded by a 3.5-meter-high wall. Right at the entrance, you are welcomed by massive statues of angels symbolizing the guardians of the place of final rest.
The structure represents an irregular octagon. Thanks to a dome with 12 windows and 8 columns, the building has a touch of ancient architecture. Among the decorative ornaments, you will find laurel wreaths and lotus leaves. The dominant feature of the mausoleum is the massive marble sarcophagi. Above the remains of Dionýz and Františka towers their family coat of arms. On the sides of the sarcophagi, thanks to relief portraits and pictures from the lives of the spouses, you can get closer to their personalities. Faithful dogs are also depicted among the themes.
The mausoleum lacks neither an altar with a depiction of the Holy Trinity nor an sacrificial table made of Italian white and black marble. Between the windows on glass mosaics, you will find depicted symbols of Christianity together with 12 angels. The entire rich decoration is complemented by decorated lower parts of the walls, for which various types of marble originating from all over Europe were used. Dionýz's entire effort to build a pantheon for his wife, as well as gratitude for her merits in their shared life, is complemented by a memorial inscription on a marble plaque.
Come and view this unique and precious monument of 20th-century architecture, where Dionýz and Františka Andrássy rest. Book accommodation in Krásnohorské Podhradie or accommodation in the surroundings of Rožňava and discover a history-woven region. Just a stone's throw away is the aforementioned Hrad Krásna Hôrka. In the village of Betliar, you can peek into a stately noble residence that will enchant you with its rich history, stories, and luxurious furnishings. The mansion in Betliar will captivate every visitor. Just book your date and during your trip, you can travel back in time while visiting the aforementioned historical monuments.
