The Papal Nuncio, well used to pomp and circumstance, headed his letter "From Visegrád, the Paradise on Earth" when, as a guest, he got a close look at the astonishing building. The palace of the great Renaissance ruler, King Mathias (1458-1490) had 350 rooms and was ornamented with red marble fountains. The huge two-storey building was one of the most luxurious royal residences of the age. The Renaissance court of the palace, dug out from debris 15 metres deep, and the Hercules Fountain which streams wine on holidays were reconstructed authentically by archaeologists. The original fountains and sculptures are preserved in the 13th century, five-storey Solomon Tower (Salamon-torony Street). This is one of the oldest and most intact Romanesque dwelling towers of Central Europe. Battle scenes are re-enacted in its yard. The tower is part of the protective works consisting of strong walls connecting the 13th century water bastion on the Danube and the castle on the top of the hill.