MFM9+G4 Károlyi Mansion, Carei

Romania, Romania

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Károlyi Mansion (also known as Károlyi Castle) in Carei, Satu Mare County, Romania, originated as a 15th-century fortress built around 1482 by László Károlyi to defend against Ottoman threats, later fortified with bastions and moats in the 16th-17th centuries.

Transformed into a Baroque residence in 1792-1793 by Count József Károlyi following architect Joseph Bitthauser's plans—demolishing walls and filling ditches—it gained its current Gothic Revival form with seven towers between 1893-1896 under Count István Károlyi, inspired by France's Loire Valley châteaux and designed by Miklós Ybl with Arthur Meinig's supervision.

Surrounded by an English-style arboretum, it hosted diplomatic events like 1711 Peace of Satu Mare negotiations, served varied roles from sanatorium to museum during the 20th century, and now operates as a cultural museum displaying period furniture, art, and regional heritage.