In the heart of Transylvania, hidden between green hills and oak forests, lies an architectural monument of rare beauty – the Bethlen Castle in the village of Cris. This imposing edifice, often overlooked in favor of other, better-known tourist destinations, hides within its walls stories that span centuries of tumultuous history and cultural transformation.
Stepping inside, the casual guest is greeted by a unique atmosphere, where every room and architectural detail bears the imprint of history. The castle is not only an imposing stone and mortar structure, but also a symbol of the power and cultural refinement of the time. In the past, it served as a noble residence, but also as a fortress, witness to the many political and social changes that took place in the region.
We invite you to discover in the following lines this portal to bygone eras, a place where legends and stories from the past come to life and where every corner invites you to reverie and discovery.
- History of Bethlen Castle
- How to get to Bethlen Castle and when to visit
- Other Bethlen castles in Transylvania
History of Bethlen Castle
The castle is situated in the village of Criș, which belongs to the commune of Daneș in Mureș County, and is located on a domed hill, which offers spectacular views of the surroundings. This strategic position was not chosen by chance; the hill provided the castle with a natural defensive position, while the proximity of the woods offered places of refuge.
The history of the castle begins in the 15th century, when Márk Bethlen, son of Miklos Bethlen, decided to build a fortified residence in Renaissance style. The castle’s location provided both protection and the resources needed to maintain a noble court.
A local legend tells of a dragon that had its home in the area and that an ancestor of the Bethlen family killed it by choking it with a golden apple and throwing it in its mouth, elements that also appear on the family coat of arms.
In the 17th century, the Bethlen family added new wings and towers to the building. During this period, the castle became a cultural and social center, hosting numerous events, balls and political meetings. It is important to note that many of these extensions were influenced by the Baroque style, which add to the splendor of the building.
From the 18th century onwards, the castle began to lose importance as the political and social context in Transylvania changed. After the Revolution of 1848 and the Union of Transylvania with Romania, the castle was gradually abandoned and suffered significant damage. Due to the communist regime, the descendants of the Bethlen family left the castle and the country in 1944, and the property was taken over by the so-called People’s Council of Daneș, which moved the headquarters of the local agricultural production cooperative to the castle.
In 2007, the castle was retroceded to the descendants of the noble family, who, seven years later, offered the custody of the building to the St. Francis Foundation of Deva for a period of 50 years, subject to the rehabilitation of the monument.
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How to get to Bethlen Castle and when to visit
To visit the castle, which is considered the most beautiful Renaissance building in Transylvania, you have several transportation options to suit your needs.
For those who want to use their own car, access can be made from Mediaș or Sighișoara on DN 14. Daneș is located 9 kilometers from Sighișoara and 57 kilometers from Târgu Mureș and is included in the official guide of the most beautiful villages in Romania. The castle is located a few kilometers from the center of the commune, so a GPS or a navigation app will help you get straight to your destination. Parking is available near the castle.
For those unwilling or unable to drive, buses run regularly from Târgu Mureș or Sighișoara to the surrounding villages, including Daneș. Once there, it’s about a 4km walk to the castle. To plan your route, check the bus timetable.
The castle is little known, so you won’t meet many tourists, just a lot of quiet. It can be visited every day, including Sundays, between 10am-5pm, and the entrance fee is 10 lei, charged as a donation to the foundation that manages the monument.
👉 After a visit to Bethlen Castle and the commune of Daneș, you will definitely feel the need to relax and rest. Choose rooms in Casa Bierzahn, located in the Valea Verde Resort, and enjoy a tasty meal in the resort’s restaurant, with dishes and drinks prepared only with local organic ingredients, as part of the responsible tourism we promote.
Commune of Daneș
As well as the Bethlen family’s wonderful Renaissance building, the commune of Daneș, to which it belongs, also has much to offer.
Located just 9 kilometers from Sighișoara, on the left bank of the river Târnava Mare, Daneșul is a destination with a rich history and a picturesque landscape. Documented in 1348 as Danus, it was called Donesdorf by the Saxons Donesdorf and Dános by the Hungarians.
In the 14th century, the commune’s fame was linked to the Dracula family, as it is said that Vlad Dracul used to come here to hunt. Over time, Daneș suffered from Tatar invasions, but recovered thanks to the settlement of the Romanians, who brought with them their Orthodox faith and traditions.
Daneș boasts two fortified Gothic-style evangelical churches. The one in the village, built in the 16th century, was equipped with a defensive gallery with ramparts, while the one in the village of Seleuș has an impressive baroque altar. You can also visit the wooden Orthodox church dedicated to St. Nicholas.
Daneș is not just a place steeped in history; its fertile soil is ideal for growing hops and vines.
Since the 1920s, the Târnavelor area has become famous for its Fetească Regală wine, the result of a natural cross between two Romanian grape varieties. This wine, also known as Galbenă de Ardeal, is distinguished by its freshness of flavor and is highly appreciated
And while you’re in Daneș, you can try some of the tasty local dishes to accompany the famous Fetească Regală: baked fish, Hungarian-style, smoked cabbage, dumplings made from pod, Ardelene pie with cheese and dill, or “minced” mămăliga, layered with a generous sprinkling of cheese.
👉 It is always more interesting and enjoyable to visit the historical heritage of Transylvania’s castles in a group of friends. To have the accommodation to match, opt for the Valea Verde Resort Apartments in Casa Yard, ideal for groups or large families.
Other Bethlen castles in Transylvania
In Transylvania, the name Bethlen is closely linked to numerous castles and manor houses, which still tell stories about the power and influence of this family. Here are two more of them, erected on the beautiful Transylvanian plain.
Bethlen Castle in Arcalia, jud. Bistrița-Năsăud
Arcalia is one of the oldest settlements in Bistrița-Năsăud county, with documentary evidence dating back to the first half of the 14th century. In 1673, the estate was acquired by the noble Bánffy family and later inherited by the Bethlen family. Count János Bethlen is credited with the modernization of the estate in the 19th century, which changed the landscape by creating one of the first English-style parks in Transylvania.
In the second half of the 19th century, Béla Bethlen, a descendant of the count, built the castle in the Moorish-Byzantine style, unique in Transylvania, and also redeveloped the surrounding area into the dendrological park that exists today, which is home to over 150 species of trees and shrubs.
After an extensive restoration, which cost around 14 million lei from EU funds and the Babeș-Bolyai University of Cluj-Napoca, the castle is shining once again, attracting the attention of researchers and tourists.
Today, Bethlen Castle is part of the UBB-Arcalia Science Station, which also includes the Dendrological Park, offering accommodation facilities and administrative services. The University has ambitious plans to rehabilitate the other buildings in the complex, aiming to modernize them to contemporary standards.
Like the castle of Criș, the Arcalia edifice was an important center of political and cultural life in its heyday, attracting various personalities and influencing the evolution of the region.
👉 The history of Transylvania is also the history of the nationalities that inhabit it. To get to know it better, we propose a journey to discover the region’s Saxon heritage, which will take you through Biertan, Malancrav and Sighisoara, places with profound significance for Transylvania’s inhabitants of German origin.
Bethlen-Haller Castle, Alba county
The Bethlen-Haller Castle, located in Cetatea de Baltă in Alba County, is one of the most impressive examples of Baroque architecture in Transylvania.
Built in the 17th century, the castle reflects both the aristocratic tastes of the time and the European cultural and artistic influences that came to the region through this noble family. It is the only castle in the country whose architecture was inspired by the castles of the Loire Valley, with direct reference to Chambord Castle.
The building was built by the Bethlen family, but in the mid-18th century, the castle passed into the possession of the Haller family through a marriage alliance. The castle was extended and remodelled, adopting distinctive elements of the Baroque style, characterized by elaborate ornamental details, symmetrical facades and opulent interiors.
Castelul Bethlen-Haller – vedere generală
A widespread but unconfirmed local legend tells of a tunnel that once linked this edifice to another Bethlen castle, the one in Sânmiclăușuș, 15 km away.
During the Communist regime, the castle was plundered of silverware, tapestries, furniture and valuables, and turned into the headquarters of the local agricultural enterprise. In 1989 it was returned to the heirs of the Haller family, who sold it to the Jidvei wine company.
Today, Bethlen-Haller Castle is living its second youth and is known not only for its architectural beauty but also for the activities it hosts. Surrounded by famous vineyards, it is home to a winery producing high-quality wines.
Visitors to the castle can take guided tours, which include wine tastings and presentations about the history of the castle and the Bethlen-Haller families. Cultural events such as concerts, exhibitions and festivals are organized regularly, bringing life and activity to this historic monument.
The castles and manor houses built by the Bethlen family are not just tourist destinations, but a deep foray into the heart of Transylvania’s history, an experience that enriches the soul and mind of every visitor. Exploring these magical places, we discover the past and the values that have shaped the identity of this corner of the world.
Photo Sources: Valea Verde Retreat, Shutterstock, Shutterstock, Shutterstock, Shutterstock, Shutterstock, Shutterstock Shutterstock,.
