The House of Festetics (singular, not plural) or Feštetić (in Croatian) is the name of a historic noble family of Hungarian counts and princes which dates back to 15th century. A prominent family during the Austro-Hungarian Empire, they are mostly known for the baroque Festetics Palace and the Viennese Prince Tasziló Festetics.

Counts Festetics of Tolna

The progenitor of the family is considered to be Peter Festetics or Petrus Ferztheschych from Roženica, Pokupsko, whose name was mentioned as such in the protocol from the second part of the 15th century. Born during the reign of Matthias Corvinus, he held large estates throughout Turopolje, southwest of Zagreb. Another protocol from 1570 mentions Mihovil Festetics (probably Peter's son), who served as ministerialis of the Bishop of Zagreb. On 8 August 1746, Mihovil's descendants, Josef and Kristof Festetics (the two sons of the second marriage of Paul Festetics) added de Tolna to their surname (von Tolna in Austria). On 5 November 1766, Josef's eldest son Pal Festetics de Tolna (1725–1782) was made a count by Queen Maria Theresa of Hungary. On 24 February 1772, Kristof's eldest son Pal Festetics de Tolna (1722–1782) was made a count by Queen Maria Theresa of Hungary, who was also Archduchess of Austria and Holy Roman Empress. The title of count was hereditary, inheritable by all legitimate male-line descendants of the family.

Princes Festetics of Tolna

On 21 June 1911, Count Tassilo Festetics de Tolna (1850–1933) was made a prince (Fürst) with the style of Serene Highness (Durchlaucht) by King Francis Joseph I of Hungary. His grandson, Prince Georg (born 1940) is the current head of the house and third Fürst.

Dutch nobility incorporation

In 1973, Count Dénes Festetics de Tolna (1943) was incorporated in the Dutch nobility with the title of count; the title of count(ess) is inheritable by all male-line descendants.

Notable members

Among the other prominent members of the family are: Festetics/Feštetić may also refer to:

Timeline of feudal lords of Međimurje