Count Jósika's Castle, Brănișca
Castelul contelui Jozsika · Branyicskai Jósika-kastély
sat Brănișca; comuna Brănișca, Hunedoara · 215
Listed as closed to the public
Summary
A castle ensemble in Brănișca (Hunedoara County) that was the seat of the Jósika family. The present neoclassical building dates from the 19th century on older Renaissance foundations; the ensemble also includes a chapel and an enclosure wall.
Legal status
Nationalised after WWII; according to Castle in Transylvania, the family later reclaimed ownership ↗
History
A fortification is recorded here in the early 16th century and Queen Isabella is said to have ordered it destroyed. László Szalánczi rebuilt it around 1590 as a Renaissance castle with four corner towers, before Prince Zsigmond Báthory took it in 1595 and gave the estate to his chancellor István Jósika. Insurgents burned the damaged castle during Horea's uprising in 1784. Miklós Jósika II restored and extended it in the first half of the 19th century, and a neoclassical building with a columned central porch was raised. Lajos Jósika II and then János Jósika owned it in the 20th century. The 1921 land reform left the family about 60 acres including castle and park; after nationalisation the furnishings were lost, and according to Castle in Transylvania, the family later reclaimed the property.
Listed components
- Castelul contelui Jozsika — sec. XVIII (HD-II-m-A-03270.01)
- Capelă — sec. XVIII (HD-II-m-A-03270.02)
- Zid de incintă — sec. XVIII (HD-II-m-A-03270.03)
Sources & links
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