Bánffy Castle in Răscruci, Romania, hosts ceremony to mark its European Heritage Award / Europa Nostra Award

The official unveiling of the European Heritage Award / Europa Nostra Award 2026 plaque took place at Bánffy Castle in Răscruci, Cluj County, on 12 October, celebrating the exemplary restoration of this late 19th-century building. The ceremony brought together around 100 participants, including regional and local officials, heritage professionals and members of the community, to celebrate the collective effort behind the castle’s restoration.

An extensive rehabilitation project, valued at €11.5 million and funded primarily through European funds, has transformed the once-derelict estate into a vibrant cultural destination. The castle has rapidly become a major attraction in the region, welcoming nearly 20,000 visitors in the first nine months of 2026 alone and bringing renewed life to this important part of Transylvania’s heritage.

Among the participants in the ceremony were Marcel Boloș, Director General of the North-West Regional Development Agency; Radu Rațiu and István Vákár, Vice-Presidents of Cluj County Council; Marius Mînzat, former Vice-President of Cluj County Council and currently Counsellor to its President; and Emil Cărhaț, Mayor of Bonțida Commune. Eugen Vaida, former member of the Jury of the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards, was also present.

László Tulogdy, the architect responsible for the restoration project, presented the work undertaken and the successive stages that led to the castle’s remarkable transformation.

Caroline Fernolend, Council Member of Europa Nostra, praised the exceptional quality of the craftsmanship and emphasised the importance of preserving local historical values. She highlighted Bánffy Castle as an inspiring example of good practices in architectural conservation, with significance extending far beyond the region.

Radu Rațiu, Vice-President of Cluj County Council, praised the results achieved, highlighting the project as a benchmark for successful and meaningful heritage restoration. He expressed his gratitude to everyone who had contributed to the achievement, stating: “Through their work, elevated to the level of excellence, they have enriched us as a community and made us proud.”

The ceremony culminated with the official unveiling of the Award plaque by representatives of the project and the participating institutions, celebrating an initiative that has restored not only a historic building but also its place in the cultural life of the region.