Valcău Fortress

After the great Mongol invasion of 1241-1242, Transylvania enters a new era. Strong fortresses are built across the region to withstand any potential new attacks. Among these fortifications is Valcău Fortress, located in present-day Sălaj County, which once watched over the entire southern region of the Crasna County. The fortress is situated in the commune of Valcău de Jos and is first documented in the year 1319.

The fortress is built on a triangular plateau, measuring no less than 30 meters from south to north. At the same cardinal points, two massive stone towers were erected, which are only partially preserved today, bearing witness to repeated sieges. In fact, even the first mention of Valcău Fortress in documents is linked to a siege, as it was conquered by the royal troops of the Borșa family. The fortress changes owners several times over the centuries, eventually falling into the possession of the Losonczi-Bánffy family.

The importance of the fortress for Transylvania is undeniable. Throughout the Middle Ages, numerous sieges left their mark on it, so today, it is only partially preserved, serving as a reminder of uncertain and turbulent times.

Story of the place

Valcău Fortress was besieged and destroyed in 1665 by a Turkish army. From this moment on, its history enters a decline. After more than half a century, in 1727, documents tell us that it was uninhabited. We can only imagine what life was like inside its strong walls, the hustle and bustle within the defended towers by soldiers, or the festive events in the palace halls within the fortress.

Unique Experiences

The region is rich in secular and ecclesiastical monuments with a history spanning many centuries. The Reformed Church in Crasna, located in the center of the locality, is one of these monuments. The church was initially a Catholic church, built at the end of the 14th century, evidenced by Gothic elements such as window arches, doors, and the ribbed vault of the altar. In the 16th century, under the influence of the religious reform, the Catholic church was transformed into a Reformed one. The church tower was built in 1708, featuring arches and four small towers, as well as a shingled roof.