Karolyi Castle in Carei

The core of the Karolyi Castle in Carei was constructed in the late 15th century by Laszlo Karolyi as a fortified residence during the time of Ottoman threats. The building was made to be larger and more elaborate by Mihaki and Sandor Karolyi in the late 16th and 17th centuries, respectively. The gardens were developed by A. Karolyi in the early 18th century, while the early structure was demolished and completely rebuilt by Jozsef Karolyi in the late 18th century. A. Karolyi and his successors introduced many varieties of trees and plants in the context of competition amongst Transylvanian elites to produce the most elaborate gardens, modeled after French and Italian Renaissance and Baroque fashions. The castle and gardens are now the setting of a public park.
(composed 2015 for website of Transylvania Alive Association for Cultural Heritage) 

Karolyi Castle in Carei (photo Eric De Sena, 2015).