Szentkereszty Castle, Arcuș

Summary

A historicist castle in Arcuș (Covasna County), built in stages between 1887 and 1897 for the Szentkereszty family, with Neo-Baroque and Neo-Renaissance features. It stands in a 19th-century dendrological park and is again in family hands, used for cultural and tourist events.

Legal status

Nationalised after WWII; claimed by heirs from 2004; contested 2012 ruling; ownership regained 2020 ↗

History

A stone manor of the Benkő family is thought to have preceded the castle. Count György Kálnoky bought the estate in 1840, and in 1847 his widow, Anna Haller, married Baron Zsigmond Szentkereszty, bringing it to that family. Béla Szentkereszty the elder managed it from 1873 and rebuilt it in stages in 1887-1897, to designs attributed to Sándor Fort. His namesake successor inherited in 1925 and died in 1944. After nationalisation the building held an orphanage, a technical school and an agricultural cooperative; in 1982 it was converted into a residence intended for Nicolae Ceaușescu, who never stayed there, and the interior was heavily altered. After 1989 it served as a Ministry of Culture cultural centre. The heirs, descending from the Szentkereszty line, reclaimed it from 2004; a 2012 court ruling was contested and they regained ownership in 2020. Events such as a floating cinema and a park festival have been held since.

Transactions & prices

Listed components

• Castelul Szentkereszty — cca. 1860 (CV-II-m-A-13128.01)
• Capelă — sec. XIX (CV-II-m-A-13128.02)
• Parc dendrologic — sec. XIX (CV-II-m-A-13128.03)

Sources & links