The Székely Land is a region with a special spirituality, a space inhabited by numerous ethnical groups which have influenced the specificity of the area, giving birth to a particular identity. Authentic ancient traditions, working and partying customs, the crafts and the traditional creations are still a part of the life of the Transylvanian village. The localities in Harghita, Covasna and MureÅŸ impress with their lofty households, impressive gates, which are beautifully sculpted in wood and the seductive, picturesque sceneries. Genuine architectural jewels hide among the smooth hills and the rich forests in the Székely Land, castles with mysterious stories evoking the atmosphere of noble times. The amazing landscapes, the unique buildings surrounded by vast parks and the people you will meet here will win you over right away. Visiting the castles is a real journey in time, revealing the secrets of past epochs.

Mikes Castle in Zăbala

At the foot of Vrancei Mountains, 7 kilometers from Covasna, in the middle of an immense dendrological park, there is Mikes Castle. The traveler lays his eyes on it from behind immense gates, at the end of an alley surrounded by trees. Situated at the heart of the village, the castle built in the 16th century now belongs to count Gregor, descendant of the noble Mikes. Although confiscated during the communist regime, the domain became once again the property of the family. Countess Katalina and her sons turned the annexes of the castle into a luxury hotel which harmoniously combines traditional and modern elements.

In times gone by, the Engine House in Zăbala supplied the castle and other four villages nearby with electric energy. Presently, the building consists of six rooms with old furniture, solid floors, renaissance bathtubs and carefully crafted decorations. The park around the castle is a tourist attraction in itself, being an ideal space for a relaxing day in the family. The lake nearby is perfect for boat rides or for skating in the cold season.

At Mikes Castle you can savor delicious Transylvanian dishes and you can taste the traditional 'palinca' (fruit brandy) kept in cherry wood barrels. The architectural beauty, the décor seemingly taken out from a fairytale and the hospitability of the hosts turn this place into a refuge, away from the bustle and noise of the cities.

 

 

Szentkereszty Castle in ArcuÅŸ

Szentkereszty Castle dates back to the end of the 19th century and accurately illustrates the neo-baroque style. Right from the entrance in the domain you are greeted by two stone lions which guard the main alley, delimited by tall poplars. The English park, extremely vast, houses an open air exhibit complex. Over 100 statues and stone and wooden sculptures rise from the abundant vegetation, consisting of rare species of trees: the magnolia, the tulip tree and the thuja. The footpaths of the garden form a labyrinth which reveals new works of art at each step, carefully looked after flower beds and a lake with a small islet on the shore of which a few boats rest.

The castle stands out with its main façade, dominated by an ample balcony supported by Tuscan columns. The decorations are simply executed, mainly spiral lines and arched windows. In the interior, the architectural styles have created an eclectic space. The wooden ceilings are decorated with renaissance motifs and the rooms are furnished with neo-classical and neo-rococo pieces. Close to the castle, the Szentkeresztys raised a classic funerary chapel, with a gothic portal and ogival arch windows. The pièce de résistance of the halidom is the wooden crucifix, almost 300 years old.

Presently, the commune’s cultural center functions in the castle in ArcuÅŸ, housing exhibits, concerts and creative camps. The coquettish building and the rich park surrounding it are truly grandiose, creating an intimate atmosphere perfect for relaxation.

 

Kalnoky Castle in MicloÅŸoara

MicloÅŸoara is considered one of the oldest and the most beautiful localities in the Székely Land. The white houses with red roofs, the vast green fields and the archaic atmosphere of the place create an idyllic décor. The nobiliary residence in MicloÅŸoara was documentary attested in the 13th century, when it served as a border garrison between Hungary and the territory given to the Teutonic knights. The legends say that, during a hunt, the Szekler Kalnoky saved the Hungarian King from a bear which was attacking him. As a reward, the King gave him this estate, and to remind of his bravery, the family’s coat of arms has the emblem of a bear pierced by an arrow.

Starting with the year 1500 the building became a hunting manor and was surrounded by an English park, later redecorated in a classical style. The renaissance, baroque and neoclassical architectural elements make the castle look imposing and elegant. The edifice is going through a restoration period, after which the rooms once inhabited by the nobles will be open for housing tourists. In the immediate vicinity of the castle there are several houses decorated in the traditional Székely style, where you can find lodging and tasty dishes. At MicloÅŸoara, the perfume of the apple trees in the orchard will definitely thrill you; if not, listening to tales while nursing the fire will surely do it for you, in this quiet and peaceful place.

 

 

 

Lázár Castle in Lăzarea

Five kilometers from Gheorgheni town, there is a castle which reminds of medieval knights. The manor became the residence of the Lázár family in 1532, but prior to that, there used to be another construction here, whose testimony is the oldest living tower in 1450. The Lázárs were some of the most important families of Catholic nobles among the Széklers, with a rich history behind them. Throughout time, the castle has known numerous generations of counts, but also a series of events which led to its gradual degradation.

Restored, the edifice has become an important artistic center; the main building and the Knights’ Hall form an ample art gallery. In the interior, the pieces of furniture painted and sculpted in traditional motifs reflect the talent of the Transylvanian craftsmen. In the yard, you can see the ruins of the annex buildings: the kitchen, the servants’ rooms, the barrack, the smithery, the stables and the bone black hole. Although the castle never had a defense role, it had bastions, towers and a massive exterior wall. The imposing aspect is tempered by the lively colored floral details, the inscriptions and the crests decorating the walls. The silhouette of Lázár Castle leaves its contour on the background of the green forest, inviting you to discover its beauty.

 

 

Mikó Castle in Miercurea Ciuc

Mikó Castle is the most important architectural monument in Miercurea Ciuc. It was built in the 17th century by Ferenc Hidvégi Mikó, the supreme captain of Ciuc, Gheorgheni and Casine Szekler seats. The history of the fortress was quite stormy. After the death of count  Mikó, the fortress was set on fire by the Turko-Tartar hoards and was rebuilt under the rule of the imperial general of the Austrian army, serving as a fortified garrison and the headquarters of a Szekler commander.

Throughout different occupations, the renaissance building received four Italian bastions, the gun powder storehouse, a protection ditch and a bridge. It was an important strategic point at the eastern border with the Habsburg Empire. One of the bastions was turned into a chapel with a stucco ceiling and baroque architectural elements.

Starting with 1970 the castle became the headquarters of the Székely Museum in Miercurea Ciuc, housing history, natural sciences, archeology collections, traditional art and church exhibits. The outdoor section consists of Saxon traditional houses, gates specific for the Szekely land and household annexes.

Mikó Castle impresses with its grandeur and simplicity. The immaculate walls, the straight windows and the minimal decoration bring a somber air to it, characteristic for fortifications.

 

 

In the castles in the Székely Land you will discover bits of history, surprising architectural details and invaluable traditional creations. Apart from that, they preserve the authentic Székely spirit and they recreate the atmosphere of medieval times.

[An article written by Andreea Bertea]