Rhédey Castle

We find ourselves in the heart of the Sângeorgiu de Pădure locality, and you won't believe the great surprise awaiting you here! This small town, located just a short distance from Târgu Mureș, is where you'll discover the story of one of the ancestors of the British royal family: Countess Claudia Rhédey.

The castle, in neobaroque style, was built in the early 19th century and is now completely restored. It hosts 3 permanent exhibitions, with professional guidance, presenting the story of the Rhédey family, the flooded village of Bezidu Nou, and the inventor of the musical fountain in Târgu Mureș, Péter Bodor.

Most of the castle is dedicated to the multimedia exhibition that presents the fascinating story of the cultured countess, the charming Claudia Rhédey. Her love story with Alexander von Württemberg, tragically ended by the premature death of the countess, comes to life in the mirrors of every room in the castle. In one of the rooms, you can even see a message transmitted by King Charles of Great Britain on the occasion of the inauguration of this exhibition dedicated to his great-great-great-grandmother.

Let yourself be guided through the rooms of the castle and discover the beautiful love story of Claudia Rhédey!

The central exhibition, paying homage to the family, is named "Mysteria Residentiae Rhédey" and debuted on September 20, 2019. It comprises five halls offering a remarkable interactive and digital experience, including mirrors that can speak to you and walls that hide secrets. With the support of the guide and these innovative technologies, visitors discover the fascinating and tragic story of the countess.

Claudia Rhédey - the perpetually young countess, born in 1812, lived a life marked by intrigue and tragedy. Raised in the Rhédey Palace in Cluj, she lived a forbidden love story alongside Duke Alexander von Württemberg. She tragically passed away at the age of only 29, but her descendants played significant roles in royal history: her son, Francis, became the grandfather of Queen Mary of Great Britain and the great-grandfather of Queen Elizabeth II, thus establishing important connections with the British royal family. Living a life full of vicissitudes, Claudia Rhédey left a complex and influential legacy in European history.

The love of Claudia and Alexander imbues the history of the castle with a romantic air, as they eventually formed a family despite the refusal of the young countess's parents to accept their marriage due to differences in rank. They had three children, Claudine, Amalie, and Francis. Claudia was believed to be pregnant with their fourth child when she tragically ended, prematurely, in a tragic accident during a long journey. Alexander could not accept the tragic fate of his beloved and mourned her for the rest of his life. Before being buried, right here, in Sângeorgiu de Pădure, she had her heart removed from her chest, which she kept. Alongside her heart, he was buried years later.

Discover the history and authentic beauty of the Sângeorgiu de Pădure locality through its charming heritage! The Reformed Church, a venerable monument with a history of over 700 years, is a true symbol of the area. Here lies the eternal resting place of Countess Rhédey Claudia.

Nearby, the Bezidu Nou reservoir offers a spectacular landscape, and the memorial park surrounding the lake reveals its history in a unique way, with the Wall of Lamentations and funerary sculptures preserving the memory of a distant past.

Not far away is the Straw Hat Museum in Crișeni, a unique destination where you can see the world's largest straw hat, listed in the Guinness World Records. Just 26 kilometers from Rhédey Castle is Sovata Resort, an oasis of relaxation and recovery, with famous therapeutic waters, mineral springs, and enchanting landscapes. Explore these fascinating places, each with its own unique story and charm.