| Jósika Castle | |
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| Castelul Jósika (Romanian) Jósika-kastély (Hungarian) |
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The church and main alley of Jósika Castle |
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Location within Romania
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| General information | |
| Architectural style | Baroque |
| Location | Surduc, Sălaj County, Romania |
| Coordinates | |
| Construction started | 17th century |
| Completed | 19th century |
Jósika Castle ['yɔ:şikɔ] (Romanian: Castelul Jósika, Hungarian: Jósika-kastély) is an imposing castle, located on the left bank of the Someş River, in the current commune of Surduc, Sălaj County. Construction of this edifice lasted almost two centuries, between 1641 - 1810, the castle belonged to the Csáky family, and between 1810 - 1853, the castle belonged to Miklós Jósika, baron of Branyicska. Members of this family have contributed decisively at the rise and final appearance of the Jósika Castle.[1] This historical monument is registered in the list of Ministry of Culture and National Patrimony.[2]
In 1641, István Csáky becomes the rightful owner of the mansion, over time, the castle belonging to wealthy families, as Csáky, Báthory or Jósika. In terms of historical perspective, Jósika Castle represents a veritable historic landmark, because here was hosted Francis II Rákóczi, Prince of Transylvania, before the military events of Jibou (November 11, 1705) against the Austrian imperial troops, led by Ludwig von Herbeville.[3] For several years, the Hungarian novelist Miklós Jósika lived in this castle, and in 1836 he wrote, in the main salon, one of the most popular historical novels in the Hungarian literature, "Abafi".[4] The Jósika family descends from wealthy boyars from current locality of Brănişca, located in northern Hunedoara County. Among the most influential representatives of this family, is István Jósika, that reached the significant dignity of chancellor, during the reign of Sigismund Báthory, Prince of Transylvania, in late 17th century. Perhaps this family, Romanian as origin, came to be assimilated, as well as families Kendeffy, Majláth or Hunyadi, through the adoption of Roman Catholic religion. This family owned and contributed decisively at final appearance of the mansion. Once with the establishment of communism in Romania (March 6, 1945), the Jósika Castle was transformed into a tractors repair station. Nowadays, authorities' attitude began to change, the applications for restitution of the old noble domains brought the castles and mansions from all over Transylvania in attention of the general public. In 2005 began the process of rehabilitation of the manor.
In the Jósika Castle yard were found fountains and a statue of Maria Theresa, Empress consort of the Holy Roman Empire. On the main alley, is a remarkable church, built in Baroque style. In the main salon of the mansion, are visible paintings on the walls adorned with upholsteries and impressive pictures. Hand-carved furniture, chandeliers, and specific decoration of the castle rooms supplement the tourist dowry of this edifice.[5]