Želiezovce
FRANZ SCHUBERT
The name of this musical genius is tied to the small town of Želiezovce, once the summer residence of the noble Esterházy family. At the time still an unknown music teacher, he came to Želiezovce at the invitation of the count’s family to give music lessons to their two elder daughters. He stayed here briefly in 1818 and 1824. During his stays he also composed some of his works.
During his first visit he lived directly in the noble family’s mansion. Later he stayed in a teacher’s apartment in the nearby Owl’s Castle. The building takes its name from the depiction of an owl – a symbol of wisdom – on its façade. It was built in 1822 as separate accommodation for teachers and guests of the Esterházy family. Today it houses the Town Museum.
In 1970, following renovation work, the Franz Schubert Memorial Room was opened here, gathering numerous historical artefacts from his life and his stay in Želiezovce. The premises of the Owl’s Castle were later expanded with a valuable collection of items spanning from the Neolithic period to the Holocaust, forming part of the Želiezovce Town Museum. Most of the collection consists of items gathered by Pavol Polka, an enthusiast and promoter of Želiezovce’s history.
Želiezovce pays special attention to this important musician, including through the spring and autumn Schubert Fest. This concert, dedicated to the life and work of Franz Schubert as well as to various works of classical music, draws the participation of a considerable number of Slovak and foreign performers of classical music. The next one will take place on 26 September 2026.
You can also discover the rich culture and history of the town of Želiezovce through the event From Schubert to Sacher, organised under the auspices of OOCR Tekov.
FRANZ SACHER
Near the Esterházy Mansion stands the birthplace of Eduard Sacher, founder of the Hotel Sacher in Vienna. However, locals associate the name more with his father, Franz Sacher, creator of the world-famous Sacher torte. He came to Želiezovce at the invitation of Countess Rozina Esterházy and worked as head chef in the mansion’s kitchen. After the last owner of the mansion left, the Sacher House nearly faded from local memory for a long time. Its restoration was made possible thanks to surviving old photographs.
Although the recipe for the legendary Sacher torte was not created directly in Želiezovce, locals still associate its creator with their town to this day. In the near future, the Sacher House in Želiezovce is set to be transformed into an interactive Franz Sacher museum.
A visit to the Sacher House must be arranged with the Sacherhaus civic association once the renovation work currently under way is completed. You can also discover the rich culture and history of the town of Želiezovce through the event From Schubert to Sacher, organised under the auspices of OOCR Tekov.
Tekovské Lužany
ONDREJ ANTOVSZKÝ
A little boy’s dream was to cook for a queen. He became the youngest head chef in Slovak history and is the author of new recipes, many of which have since become part of popular culture. He earned the title Poet of Cold Cuisine, and his famous “canapés” are known worldwide today. Culinary master Ondrej Antovszký (1941–2021) spent his childhood in Tekovské Lužany. His Memorial Room was recently opened here, and the 1st edition of the Junior Awards International Gastronomic Competition – the Ondrej Antovszký Memorial – was held. And a first-class Michelin-starred chef was there too …
Ondrej Antovszký is the author of many original recipes. He gave his newly created dishes melodious, poetic names, reviewed by the poet Rudolf Fábry. That’s how Drotárska kapsa (Tinker’s Pouch), Zbojnícka pochúťka (Outlaw’s Delicacy), and Čiernohorský rezeň (Montenegrin Cutlet) came to be. Did you know that even the classic wedding starter – ham roll with horseradish foam – is his creation?
Driven by his dream of becoming a chef, he secretly left his parents’ home so he could study. The talented apprentice completed his practical training at one of the luxury hotels in what was then Czechoslovakia. As a student he already headed the kitchens of major hotel establishments, and his later professional career is remarkable. He cooked not only in prominent Slovak hotels and restaurants, but also at the most prestigious events in Luxembourg, Germany, Italy, Hungary, Poland, the former USSR and Mexico. He is regarded as a master of cold cuisine. He became the founding president of the Slovak Union of Chefs and Confectioners.
His culinary artistry was tasted by a host of leading figures from politics and culture, presidents, and even the American diplomat Madeleine Albright. His fulfilled dream as a chef was cooking for the Queen of Denmark. As he recalled in his memoirs, he cooked the best he could for everyone, regardless of their standing.
in 2025.
Ondrej Antovszký’s culinary mastery and legacy also live on in the Memorial Room dedicated to his life and work, opened in Tekovské Lužany in 2025. It documents events from the master chef’s life, presents the books he wrote, as well as the awards and honours he received, and photographs from the Antovszký family archive.
To keep his legacy alive, the idea was born for the Ondrej Antovszký Memorial, subtitled Junior Awards. This unique competition for young culinary talents has completed a successful two editions. Students from culinary schools showcased their skills in preparing their own original recipes. An expert jury oversaw strict adherence to technological procedures as well as to the original recipe each contestant created.
Second year of memorial was enriched by a competition for pastry chefs students as well as amateur bakers, who tried their hand at preparing the Sacher torte. Its connection to our region is beyond doubt – its creator, Franz Sacher, once worked nearby in Želiezovce.
