Almașu (Váralmás) – Sălaj County
Of the Csáky Castle in Almașu, once the most imposing mansion in the historical region of Kalotaszeg (Țara Călatei), only the bare walls remain, with trees growing like mushrooms in the middle of the former rooms of the classical building.
The Csáky Castle, built from the stones of the Almaș Fortress
The Csáky family, with roots dating back to the Árpádian Dynasty, settled in the area in 1594, when Prince Sigismund Báthory gifted the Almașu domain to the commander of the Transylvanian troops, István Csáky. The construction of the castle began in 1808. It soon became the largest mansion in the Kalotaszeg region, being the epicentre of an impressive estate, with other annexed buildings, a park, and even a lake — all of which are destroyed today.
Sculpted stones brought from the Almaș Fortress, located only a few hundred meters away, were used in the castle’s construction. Thus, the descendants succeeded in recycling materials used in the fortress rebuilt at the end of the 16th century by their ancestor, István Csáky. These massive stones can still be seen today at the base of the building, although the original ornamentation now only shows faint traces on the deteriorated walls.
The Csáky Castle in Almașu, the historic monument in Sălaj that no one wants
During our visit, the gate to the castle was opened for us by Sandu Iluțan, who, at 70 years old, is more active than ever. The dozens of beehives next to the dilapidated building are also his. Well-read and knowledgeable, Mr. Iluțan passionately told us about the history of Almașu, the destroyed fortress, the massacre ordered by General Giorgio Basta, and the communist years when the castle still retained its former elegance, about the beautiful furniture that disappeared after the Revolution, and the legend that the mansion was lost in a card game. Beyond enthusiasm and wisdom, sadness also reflected in his eyes as he looked at the empty walls.
Moreover, the legal status of Csáky Castle is uncertain. The press wrote several years ago that the building was returned after 1989, and the unnamed heir wanted to demolish it, requesting its removal from the list of historical monuments. Without the necessary approval, the heir also proposed a rehabilitation plan, but it was rejected by experts. Under the current circumstances, it is hard to believe any other renovation idea will follow. Meanwhile, the only effort to promote the Csáky Castle has been made by the Sălaj County Museum of History and Art, which created a 3D digital scan of the manor. Unfortunately, far too little.
In an advanced state of decay, very deteriorated, the preservation of Csáky Castle would require an extraordinary financial effort, making it hopeless, if not outright impossible…