Published: November 27 2023
Hungary is home to many beautiful castles, including one in the small village of Válaszút that recently underwent a renovation with the help of the Hungarian government. This renewed castle is now becoming a popular tourist hotspot due to its historical significance and stunning features.
The Castle's History
The castle in Válaszút once belonged to the Historic Bánffy family, who were influential officials and military leaders of the Habsburg Empire during Hungary's history. After years of deterioration, the castle was used as an orphanage after World War II.
The Renovation Process
The renovation of the castle took over five years and was funded by the Council of Cluj County, with support from the European Union. The interior, facades, and park were all restored to their former glory.
Inauguration and Cultural Center
The castle's inauguration was attended by religious representatives and local officials, signifying the importance of preserving Hungarian-related buildings in Cluj County. The castle is now owned by the Council of Cluj County and serves as a cultural center.
Unique Features
One of the castle's standout features is its intact wooden interior, which is a rarity among Transylvanian castles. Additionally, the castle boasts an original tile stove that was awarded at a Paris World Fair.
With its rich history and stunning restoration, the renewed castle in Válaszút is a must-visit destination for tourists seeking to explore the beauty of Hungarian castles.
Questions & Answers
Where is Válaszút located? Válaszút is a small village located 25 km from Kolozsvár (Cluj Napoca) in Romania.
Who owns the castle in Válaszút? The castle in Válaszút currently belongs to the Council of Cluj (Kolozs) County.
Why was the castle in Válaszút renovated? The castle was renovated to serve as a cultural center by the Council of Cluj County.
How long did the castle renovation take? The castle renovation took over five years to complete.
What sources were used to finance the castle renovation? The renovation of the castle in Válaszút was financed by both the European Union and the council.
What was the previous state of the castle before renovation? After World War II, the castle functioned as an orphanage, leading to a rapid deterioration of its state.
Who inaugurated the renovated castle in Válaszút? The renovated castle was inaugurated by Andrei, the Orthodox archbishop and Metropolit of Kolozsvár (Cluj Napoca), with representatives from the Roman Catholic and Reformed churches also attending the celebration.
What is the unique feature of the castle's interior? The castle's wooden interior has remained intact, which is rare for Transylvanian castles where it is usually not the case.
What unique item does the castle have? The castle possesses a unique and original tile stove that was awarded at one of the Paris world fairs.
What was the original purpose of the castle in Válaszút? The castle served as a summer residence for the Bánffy family and took its current shape in the 19th century.