The Pekri Castle in Ozd

Pekri Castle, a living treasure of architectural Renaissance, stands proudly on the hill overlooking the small Mureș village of Ozd. The castle with Baroque elements is filled with the stories of the Hungarian counts (“grofs”) who lived here, but few know that in what resembles today an imposing fortress there lived and wrote words full of tenderness and emotion the famous Hungarian poet Kata Szidónia Petrőczy.

With a history of over 400 years, during which it belonged, in turn, to the Radák and Pekri families, the castle was destroyed by a fire and then completely rebuilt in 1732. During its heyday, Count (Grof) Lőrincz Pekri and his wife Kata Szidónia Petrőczy, one of the first Hungarian Baroque poets, lived here. During her husband's many periods of absence, she focused on Reformed ecclesiastical literature and composed numerous poems centred on the theme of death and human suffering.

Nowadays, the castle is owned by a Christian association that struggles to restore its former brightness.  The Bonus Pastor Foundation has managed in recent years to completely renovate the roof and it currently operates, in the former stables, a rehabilitation centre for people with addictions.  The castle thus carries on the mission that the sensitive Hungarian poetess wanted for this settlement: to alleviate suffering and restore hope.

The castle was built in the 17th century and, although its shape may suggest a defensive role, it is unlikely that it ever fulfilled it. Even if the exact date of construction and the original owner are not known, we know for sure that for many years it served as a home. The palace plan is a typical Renaissance one, consisting of a square with circular towers at the corners.

At the outbreak of the War of Independence, Lőrincz Pekry was captured. During his captivity, he sided with Ferenc Rákóczi. His wife was captured, together with their five daughters, and imprisoned in Sibiu for more than a year.  Here, Kata Szidónia suffered a minor stroke. The family had to flee Transylvania twice in 1705 and 1707. She took refuge first in Huszt, then in the princely castle of Beregszentmiklós, where she died.  She was buried in the Reformed church in Huszt and her grave can still be visited today. Her husband followed her to the grave a year later, in 1709. Having no sons, the noble branch of the Pekry family died out with them.