The Thobias Castle

Among the charming hills of the Boarta locality in Sibiu County stands the enigmatic Thobias Castle, a tiny treasure that hides its secrets among ancient walls. With a history shrouded in mystery and rare fragments of information, this castle enchants and intrigues in equal measure.

Historical sources are vague regarding the existence of the castle. In 1648, a mention of a property belonging to Berze Margit from Mihalyfalva in Fejer County (Alba County) suggests an association, albeit vague and distant, with what we now call Thobias Castle. However, an inscription engraved in the old wood of the basement wall seems to reveal a crucial date - the year 1770. It is assumed that this marks the moment of the castle's construction in its current form, except for later additions from the 20th century. Documents from the time speak of a property with two houses, an imposing porch and cellar, granary, barn for cars, stables for horses, but we have very little information about the constructions themselves.

The current exterior appearance of the castle reflects the characteristics of a Transylvanian Hungarian noble residence. Its architectural model, with the central rectangle plan and elegant towers rising behind, exudes a desire to represent the social status of its inhabitants.

While the past remains shrouded in mystery, the future of the castle has several known horizons: in 2020, it was purchased by the founders of the Finnish School in Sibiu, who intend to restore it and transform it into a learning center for children, teenagers, and adults, thus bringing it back into the community.

Thobias Castle is located in the village of Boarta, which is part of the commune of Șeica Mare - a quiet and charming destination, a window into the traditional rural life of Transylvania, with a rich history, enchanting landscapes, and a community that preserves its authenticity and traditions. The commune was known in the past for its fairs that gathered craftsmen and merchants from the entire region, offering products such as textiles and jewelry, as well as fruits, vegetables, or animals.

Already here, you can take advantage of various attractions located a short distance from the commune. The Fortified Church in Șeica Mică, similar to the one in Șeica Mare, is a remarkable example of Transylvanian Gothic architecture, dating back to the 13th century. The Șesul Târnavelor Natural Reserve, along with the Cindrel Mountains, are wonderful places for observing wild nature, for ecotourism enthusiasts and hiking enthusiasts in the midst of nature, or for tourists eager to explore the spectacular landscapes of the mountains. At an accessible distance from Șeica Mare are also the Ocna Sibiului Baths, known for their salty waters and their therapeutic benefits.