Carei is a locality situated in Satu Mare county, with a population of 20775 inhabitants.

Carei

Carei, Karolyi castle

GPS Coordinates:
47.68382 N, 22.46724 E

The history of Carei stronghold begins in 1482, when Károlyi Láncz László built here a house. Because of the Turkish danger the bulding was surrounded by bastions and a ditch, becaming a stronghold. The work was started by K. Mihály in 1592 and continued by his sons.

The stronghold had an interior wall, a ditch with water and palisade, and the bastions had loopholes. After the danger passed in 1792 Károlyi József begins the stronghold construction after architect Joseph Bitthauser's plans. The defending wall was demolished, the ditch filled, the new castle with english park was finalized in the winter of 1793. Between 1893 and1896 the castle is rebuilt having as model the castles from Loara Valley.

The project of Meinig Arthur is very animated, having 7 towers, bastions, balconies and a ditch with water just like the chivalrous castles. The square interior yard was covered giving rise to a central atrium with two levels. The two italian fireplaces from the atrium are decorated with lion figures which can be found in the family's symbol, which is engraved on the entrance doors' glass, together with the family's motto.

The ceiling beams, decorate with floral moifs and the halls with vaults which surroundes the atrium on the two levels, are impressive. The balcony railings and the stairs have twisted legs. The most beautiful room belongs to the baroness. The chapel's castle has a little sanctuary.

The family symbol, with the hawk wich holds in the claws of the right leg a heart, present in many places of the castle.

In present the castle hosts the museum and the House of Culture.

Opening Hours

Tuesday-Sunday: 9.00-17.00

Contact:

0040-261-861-481

You can speak with us in:

Romanian, Hungarian

The Karolyi family cript is in Căpleni