Săvârșin Castle

Lore & Background

The castle's history dates to a mid-18th century building in western baroque style (dating from 1680) belonging to the Edelspacher de Gyorok family. It was set on fire in November 1784 during the uprising led by Horia, Closca and Crisan, and was later restored. In 1858, Count Leopold Nádasdy de Nádasd et Fogarasföld took possession and rebuilt it in its present form in 1860. In 1941, the Mocioni-Starcea family acquired the castle through an exchange of properties, preparing it for 'crown weekends.' In 1943, King Michael I bought the castle from the Crown property as a gift for his mother Queen Helen.

Reader's Guide

Săvârșin Castle holds significance as the official country residence of the Romanian Royal Family, where the statutes defining the family's role and powers are signed. After King Michael's abdication in 1947, the castle was nationalized and used as a hospital, tuberculosis sanatorium, and nervous disorders sanatorium until 1967, when Romanian leader Nicolae Ceaușescu turned it into a guest house for visiting heads of state. In 2000, the High Court of Cassation and Justice restored the entire property and land to King Michael I. Since then, the royal family has spent winter holidays there, continuing a tradition of carol singing. On 10 May 2021, Margareta, Custodian of the Romanian Crown, formally opened the grounds and Royal Automobile Museum to the public during summer months, including King Michael's collection of World War II Jeeps.

Did You Know?

• The castle was originally known as Forray Castle and owned by Hungarian noble families for three centuries.
• It was set on fire in November 1784 by peasants during the uprising led by Horia, Closca and Crisan.
• King Michael I bought the castle in 1943 as a gift for his mother Queen Helen.
• The castle was used as a hospital, tuberculosis sanatorium, and nervous disorders sanatorium after nationalization.