Rákóczi–Bánffy Castle, Gilău
History
The history of the Bánffy Castle of Gilău dates back to the Middle Ages, first mentioned in writing in 1246 as the property of the Catholic bishopric of Transylvania. The first castle structure (castrum) was mentioned in 1426, later as a palace (pallatium) in 1465. At the end of the 15th century, Bishop László Geréb, cousin of King Matthias, expanded and decorated it in Renaissance style. In the 16th century, it became a political center and served as the residence of Queen Isabella. In 1556, it became treasury property.
During the Rákóczi family's ownership from 1638–1652, a late Renaissance-style representative princely residence replaced the medieval fortress. The Bánffy family acquired the estate in 1663. Although the castle was damaged several times, Dénes Bánffy restored it in 1838, transforming it into a castle by removing defensive elements. In 1911, Katalin Bánffy and her husband, Tamás Barcsay, reclaimed the castle for the family, who owned it until nationalization in 1948. After World War II, it served as an institution for disabled children until 2002.
In 2002, Tamás Barcsay, an heir living in Canada, reclaimed the castle, finally regaining ownership in 2010. Subsequently, businessman Elek Nagy purchased it and transferred ownership to the Transylvanian Traditions Foundation (Fundația Tradiții Transilvane), which he founded.Style
The castle in its current form is late Renaissance, featuring a quadrangular layout with four towers (three circular and one polygonal). Its early Renaissance origins date back to Bishop László Geréb’s renovations, traces of which remain visible in reliefs and brackets stylistically similar to Renaissance buildings in Florence and Buda. Its present form, complete with representative wings and residential towers, dates from the mid-17th century under the Rákóczi family's patronage.Famous residents
Bishop László Geréb, cousin of King Matthias, a Renaissance patron with humanist learning.
Queen Isabella, mother of John Sigismund, Prince of Transylvania, who temporarily chose it as her residence.
Rákóczi family, especially George I Rákóczi, who transformed the castle into a princely residence.
Bánffy family, who owned the castle for several generations, notably Dénes and György Bánffy.
Tamás Barcsay and Katalin Bánffy, whose wedding and ownership made the castle a center of social life.Renovation
Extensive renovation of the castle began in 2015, funded by Elek Nagy through the Transylvanian Traditions Foundation. Architectural plans were made by Tektum Architectura & Arta. The North Transylvania Development Agency (ADR) contributed 5 million euros, the National Recovery Fund (PNRR) an additional 2 million euros, EHA contributed 3 million euros, and the Hungarian government also provided significant funding. The castle officially reopened on May 17, 2024. Further renovation of the castle park and Roman castrum is scheduled for completion in June 2026.Present day
In 2024, the castle partially reopened and is planned as a cultural center. Intended uses include exhibitions, camps, theater, and music events. A 14-hectare park will also be available to visitors. Archaeological excavation of the Roman castrum continues, alongside the development of the castle's surroundings into a community space, envisioned as a "small green oasis" near Cluj-Napoca.
