Jósika Castle

Szurduk, Romania

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Jósika Castle in Szurduk (Surduc), Romania, dates back to the 17th century when the area was owned by the Csáky family.

The original curia was transformed into a castle likely in the 18th century, and in 1810 it became the property of the Jósika family. The famous Hungarian writer Miklós Jósika lived there after his first marriage ended, building several farm buildings and revitalizing the estate.

The castle, which had 17 rooms including his office and a chapel, was partly damaged during the 1848 revolution and later repaired. It was once surrounded by a large park with fountains and a statue of Maria Theresa, with elegant interiors and hand-carved furniture.

Under the communist regime, it was repurposed for agricultural mechanization, causing the loss of much of its heritage and features, including its ornate gate and a park turned into a vegetable garden. Currently, the castle is in a state of degradation, owned by the Agromec company since 1991, and was put up for sale in 2022.

The castle remains a significant historic monument reflecting the legacy of the Jósika family and the region's noble past.