Tata is a small town with 25.000 inhabitants next to the Vienna-Budapest motorway. According to the archaeological data Tata and its surroundings were inhabited before the Stone Ages as well. Practically it was continuosly inhabited thanks to the rich forests and hot-water springs. Occupants of the most important camp from the Roman Empire, Brigetio (Ószőny), led the water to their houses from the Tata springs. The castle of Tata is a prominent historic building which was built on a rock between 1397-1409 surrounded by water and swamp. The castle flourished during reign of King Sigismund of Luxembourg and King Matthias Hunyadi as a summer residence, but later potentates also spent their times here. Its new historical signs were determined by the Count Esterházy family, who were attended diplomatic and high standing government clerks. Guests were welcomed in this manor centre which had incomparable natural givens. The developed their land with natural and environmental defending policies. Landscapes and air was also clear because of the water regulation and park building works carried out by the Esterházy family. Tata’s name coincide with patriotic equestrian history as well: during the Esterházy’s manor there were 20 stables, operated by local breeders. At the end of the 19th century Tata became the most popular destination for people who lived in Budapest and it caused significant industrial development.
