Salbek Castle

With stunning architecture and a rich history, Salbek Castle invites you to explore its secrets and unique charm. Discover this gem located in Petriș commune, Arad county!

Count Salbek came from a German family, and the construction of the current castle was completed in 1811 through the work of the locals. After various historical vicissitudes and changes of owners, in 1784, the old hearth of the Petriș locality was abolished and rebuilt around the castle.

The castle has a rectangular shape and neoclassical architecture, with a facade and terrace guarded by Doric-style columns built of sandstone. The building has two majestic entrances: the first floor is reached by climbing a semicircular staircase, and the 24 rooms are arranged, on the ground floor, as a dining room, living room and concrete room, and on the first floor as apartments for living.

Witness to the turbulent history, the castle passed down to the heirs today aspires to be a place of recreation, healing and tranquility in the middle of a dream landscape, located between the Mureș Valley and the hills of the Zarand Mountains.

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Architectural features

The castle, through its specific architecture, falls into the neoclassical style, found in details such as the facade and the back terrace, but also in the columns built of sandstone in the Doric style.

The noble building has a quadrangular shape, in a rectangular plan, built of burnt brick, with straight floors, parquet floors in rhomboid shape and plank and cement floors.

The domain has the castle with 24 rooms, but also several outbuildings. You can see the ground floor and the first floor, two impressive entrances. The rooms are arranged next to each other, with communication doors between them. A semicircular staircase opens the way to the first floor, where there are the apartments for living. 

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The story of the place

Over the centuries, the castle has witnessed numerous historical events. Following nationalization in the 1950s, the building was used as a school and boarding school. In 2009 it was returned to the descendants of the last owner.

According to a local legend, under the crown of an oak tree in the castle's courtyard, the judge of the domain resolved conflicts within the community. Before 1848, these courts tried the subjects of the domain. They were sentenced to corporal punishment or were detained in the domain dungeon, a dungeon located near Salbek Castle.

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Outstanding personalities

Count Gyorgy Salbek is the most famous personality of the castle. The count came from a German family, being the descendant of Matei Salbeck, former secretary of the Prince of Moldova, who later became commissioner of the salt mines in the Hunedoara District. In 1784, after the suppression of the uprising, Count Salbeck ordered the relocation of all households from the old settlement of Petriş to the new village, around the castle.

Also from Petriș is the distinguished Romanian composer, Sabin Drăgoi, known for his significant contributions to folk-inspired classical music, excelling in the integration of traditional melodies.