"The Zichy Palace: Where History Meets Elegance"

The Zichy Palace stands proudly as a testament to history and refinement in the heart of Bratislava. Today, it serves as a charming venue for civil wedding ceremonies and cultural events, offering a unique blend of tradition and celebration.

In the early 19th century, this splendid palace had the honour of hosting composer Heinrich Marschner, one of the founding figures of German Romantic opera, as the music tutor for the Zichy family. Marschner's musical journey began with lessons from the renowned composer Ignaz Schicht in 1811-1816. Following his education, he relocated to Bratislava, where he composed his first operas. One of his works, "Heinrich IV and D'Aubigné" (German: Heinrich IV und D'Aubigné), was staged by Carl Maria von Weber in Dresden.

From 1827 to 1831, Marschner served as a conductor in Leipzig, where his operas "Vampyr" (1828) and "The Templar and the Jewess" (Der Templer und die Jüdin) (1829) had their premieres. Subsequently, from 1831 to 1859, he held the position of conductor in Hanover, eventually becoming the General Music Director. In 1833, his opera "Hans Heiling" debuted at the Berlin State Opera.

In 1859, Marschner retired and spent his later years in Hanover. Among his students in Hanover was the notable composer Ferdinand Vrécse.

The Zichy family, known as Zichi és vásonkeői Zichy in Hungarian, has a rich heritage dating back to the 13th century. They were granted the land of Zich, from which they derived their surname "de Zich" (later modified to "Zichi" and "Zichy"). In the 18th century, the Zichy family owned the historic town of Stara Buda (Obuda).

One of their enduring legacies is the magnificent Zichy Palace, an exquisite example of Baroque architecture that graces the Main Square of Stara Buda to this day. This palace is a testament to the Zichy family's enduring influence and commitment to preserving cultural heritage.