Cândea (Kendeffy) Noble Court, Râu de Mori

Summary

A fortified noble court at Râu de Mori in the Hațeg Country, seat of the Cândea (Kendeffy) family of knezes, with a residence, chapel and enclosure wall on a site that was occupied from prehistory through the Roman era. A 2002 report warned that delayed restoration was endangering it.

Legal status

Listed historic monument, class A (LMI HD-II-a-A-03428): court, chapel and enclosure wall ↗

History

The court was the seat of the Cândea family, knezes of the Hațeg Country, and is said to stand on older Roman remains; finds on site show occupation from prehistory through the Middle Ages. The earliest known family member, Nicolae Cândea, lived around 1300, and his son Mihail was executed in 1356 on the orders of the voivode Andrei Lackfi. The king returned the estates to his widow in 1359, and in 1447 John Hunyadi confirmed the family's holdings. By the late 15th century the family controlled about 30 villages and had split into the Kendeffy and Kenderessy branches. The complex included a residence with a court chapel, a stable, a mill and a church inside a wall. A 2002 archaeological report warned that rainwater was reaching the cellar vaults and damaging the residence.

Listed components

• Curia Cândeștilor — sec. XV - XVII (HD-II-m-A-03428.01)
• Capelă — sec. XV (HD-II-m-A-03428.02)
• Zid de incintă — sec. XV - XVII (HD-II-m-A-03428.03)

Sources & links