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Discovering Romania’s Historical Castles
Beyond its breathtaking natural landscapes that attract countless tourists each year, Romania boasts a rich array of historical landmarks that are equally captivating. If you’re among those eager to explore, you’ll find this concise guide beneficial as we highlight some of the most stunning castles to visit in Romania.
Notable Castles in Transylvania
Transylvania is renowned for its wealth of cultural and historical attractions. It is home to some of the country’s most remarkable castles:
- Corvin Castle (also known as Hunyadi Castle) located in Hunedoara is one of Romania’s most famous historical sites. This remarkable Gothic architectural monument was erected in 1440 under the command of John Hunyadi. Today, it functions as a museum, where visitors can admire its defensive towers, the donjon, the Knights’ Hall, the Diet Hall, and the White Bastion.
- Bran Castle is undoubtedly the most famous castle in Romania, primarily due to its connection with the Dracula legend. While it may not be grand in size, its stunning location atop a rocky cliff makes it a sight to behold. Built between 1377 and 1382, it sits right on the border of Transylvania and Wallachia. In 1920, the Brașov City Council gifted the castle to Queen Marie of Romania, and after 1948, it was nationalized and transformed into a museum dedicated to history and feudal art.
- Banffy Castle in Bonțida, Cluj County, is famous for hosting the annual Electric Castle festival. The Banffy museum complex is an exquisite example of Renaissance architecture intertwined with Baroque, Romantic, and Neoclassical elements. Construction began in 1437 and was only completed in 1890, having undergone numerous expansions and additions over the years.
Castles in Wallachia
Among the most beautiful castles in Wallachia that you shouldn’t miss are:
- Peleș Castle is the main tourist attraction in Sinaia, constructed between 1873 and 1914 as a summer residence for the royal family, designed in Neo-Renaissance style. Today, the castle functions as a museum, alongside the nearby Pelișor, and the royal estate originally included various auxiliary buildings like the Economat (later transformed into a hotel), the Furnica hotel, royal stables, the Foișor hunting lodge, and even a power plant. Notably, Peleș was the first castle in the world to utilize electricity generated from local sources.
- Cantacuzino Castle in Bușteni is a small architectural gem that gained fame after scenes were filmed there for the series “Wednesday.” Completed in 1911, it was commissioned by Prince Gheorghe Grigore Cantacuzino, known as Nababul due to his immense wealth. The complex is designed in the Neo-Romanian style and features four building sections, along with an impressive garden of over 3 hectares, beautifully landscaped with fountains and a grotto.
- Hașdeu Castle in Câmpina is not a castle in the traditional sense, given its modest size. However, its architectural structure embodies a unique charm that captures the imagination.
Conclusion
Romania’s castles are not only architectural marvels but also gateways into the country’s rich history and culture. Each castle tells a story waiting to be discovered, making them essential stops for any traveler exploring this captivating nation.
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Castle of Iulia Hașdeu: A Tribute to a Lost Daughter
The castle stands as a poignant testament to love and loss, constructed in 1896 by the writer Bogdan Petriceicu Hașdeu in memory of his beloved daughter, Iulia Hașdeu, who tragically succumbed to tuberculosis at the tender age of 18. Visitors to the castle can explore its well-preserved interiors, which reflect the life and aspirations of its creator. A unique aspect of the castle’s history is the series of spiritual sessions held by Hașdeu in hopes of connecting with his deceased daughter. He claimed that Iulia’s spirit guided him in the castle’s design, with the original sketches emerging from a séance documented on a manuscript page.
Must-See Castles and Palaces in Moldova
Moldova is rich in historical landmarks, ranging from impressive medieval fortifications like the Neamț and Suceava Citadels to enchanting castles that seem to come straight out of a fairy tale. If you are planning a trip to this region, don’t miss these remarkable attractions:
Sturdza Castle in Miclăușeni
Located just 20 kilometers from Roman, the Sturdza Castle, built between 1880 and 1904 in a neo-Gothic style, was commissioned by Gheorghe Sturdza and his wife Maria. Today, this museum complex belongs to the Metropolitan Church of Moldavia and Bukovina and is part of the ensemble of the Miclăușeni Monastery, which also includes the Church of “Saint Voivodes” (1787) and a beautifully landscaped park established in the 19th century within the castle grounds.
Cuza Palace at Ruginoasa
Another impressive castle in Iași County is the Cuza Palace, constructed in 1804 in a neo-Gothic style by the notable treasurer Săndulache Sturdza. Under his orders, a park with statue-lined paths was established, accompanied by a church built behind the castle. In 1862, the estate was acquired by Prince Alexandru Ioan Cuza, who transformed it into a summer residence and undertook renovations. Though significantly damaged during World War II, the castle was restored and became the Memorial Museum “Al. I. Cuza” in 1982.
Ghika Castle at Dofteana
Set on the hunting grounds of Neculai N. Ghika, Ghika Castle was built at the end of the 19th century as a summer residence, designed by an Italian architect in a romantic style. Like many other castles in Moldova, it suffered destruction during World War II and was later renovated and nationalized by the communists. Unfortunately, it has not been well maintained and is currently privately owned.
Castle Bethlen-Haller: A Unique Architectural Marvel
As you enter the village of Cetatea de Baltă, the towers of the castle perched atop a hill immediately catch the eye. The architecture is inspired by the Renaissance châteaux of the Loire Valley, particularly the Château de Chambord. The Bethlen-Haller Castle is recognized as one of the most significant tourist attractions in Alba County. Its history spans several centuries and has undergone numerous magnificent transformations. Built in Renaissance style between 1615 and 1624 by the father of the Transylvanian chancellor, Milos Bethlen, the castle boasts four towers positioned at each corner, embodying the grandeur of its era.
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Castle Bethlen-Haller: A Historical Jewel in Transylvania
Inspired by the châteaux of the Loire Valley, Castle Bethlen-Haller originally served as a hunting lodge and a retreat for leisure activities. Over the centuries, this magnificent structure has experienced both flourishing times and periods of hardship. The castle has changed hands multiple times, being inherited, gifted, lost in gambling, managed by authorities, redeemed, and renovated numerous times.
Throughout its history, Castle Bethlen-Haller has had more than 45 owners. Between 1770 and 1773, the Haller family undertook significant restoration efforts, incorporating Baroque elements into its design. The Haller family resided in the castle until it was nationalized, and their coat of arms, which once adorned the old entrance gate, was later found damaged on the banks of the Târnava Mică River and subsequently restored. This coat of arms featured a snake, an apple, a crown, and a peasant’s head, symbolizing the family’s wisdom, property, and noble status.
Astonishing Architectural Features
One of the most striking features of the castle is the Renaissance-style stone portal that graces the entrance of the Clock Tower. Access to the upper levels is provided by a remarkable spiral staircase made of oak, constructed in the late 18th century. This staircase is considered one of the few of its kind in Europe and stands as a unique architectural piece.
Adorning the walls of the staircase is a collection of rustic clocks and pendulums dating from the early 19th century to the early 20th century. Legend has it that beneath the main staircase lies a tunnel large enough for a carriage to pass through, allegedly connecting Castle Bethlen-Haller to the Bethlen Castle in Sânmiclăuș, located 15 kilometers away. Although this tale is widely circulated, it has never been substantiated.
Restoration and Modern Significance
After the year 1989, the castle was reclaimed and returned to the Haller family, from whom it was purchased in 1999 by the Jidvei company. Following a challenging restoration process, the castle has been revitalized, becoming a symbol of Jidvei and the wines of Transylvania.
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