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Nestled in the heart of Transylvania, Teleki Estate encompasses 16 acres of spectacular land, hosting the 18th century baroque castle and its lush English park with old trees, serene meadows and a charming little pond, all peacefully guarded by river Mureș.

A part of history

The domain has been with the Teleki family since the 17th century, when Mihály Apafi, regent of Transylvania, donated Gernyeszeg and other villages to count Mihály Teleki. But it wasMihály’s nephew, László Teleki who started the construction of nowadays castle in 1772, on the grounds of the old castle. The building was designed by architect Andreas Mayerhoffer of Salzburg in a baroque style. Its main features are the „U” form and the Great Hall in the middle. Construction ended around 1796, during the time of László’s son, József Teleki. József also transformed the surrounding area into a lovely French garden.

A botanical garden

At the begining of the 1800s, Teleki József II turned the garden into an English park, by introducing exotic species like gingko biloba and lime, alongside other majestic trees like willow, oak and cypresses, to name but a few of the species that reign the park to date.

 

 

First public library of Romania

The love of books was handed down from generation to generation in the Teleki family. Samuel Teleki is actually the founder of the Telekiana Library in Târgu Mureș, the first public library in contemprary Romania. He was a great lover of books and started collecting them during his studies in Europe. An impressive book collection was also hosted in the castle’s library, comprising thousands of books collected by the Teleki counts over the years.

During and after World War II, the castle was devastated, while all the original furniture was stolen and the library destroyed. Part of the volumes were saved and donated to the Teleki Library in Târgu Mureș, the oldest book dating from 1668.

Reviving the castle 

In 1949, the castle was nationalized by The Communist Party and later transformed into a nursing home for children with tuberculosis. After a long legal battle, the heirs of Teleki family regained the property in 2011. Ever since, they have dedicated their efforts to the restoration of the estate.

The castle is one of the best preserved in Transylvania, having in place original pieces like Murano chandeliers, fireplaces, wood doors, murals and stucco works. A part of the castle has been refurbished with antique furniture recreating the old sumptuous atmosphere, which visitors can enjoy throughout the year.

 

Our cause

AWAKE Festival has strongly invested in the restoration of the Teleki Estate by raising awareness and providing financial support. Together with ARCHÉ Association, we are committed to safeguarding this unique site, part of our national heritage.
For a more detailed history of the estate, visit www.monumenteuitate.org.

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