Szigliget, with its 1100 inhabitants, stands on a peninsular stretching far into Balaton. The area was formerly an island which rose out of a marshy bay in the lake. Today, with its hills and valleys, it is one of the most beautiful areas of Balaton. Its summit rises to 243m. The Mediterranean landscape is a picturesque area of fruit trees, vineyards, the fortress hill and the ruins of the castle. In the main square of the village there stands its best known building, Esterházy Castle, built at the beginning of the nineteenth century in the classical style. Szigliget is a very popular excursion place and holiday resort, especially among artists. The inhabitants do a great deal to enhance its beauty.