LIVING CASTLE – cultural, scientific and creative events for valorification of Daniel Castle in Tălișoara

LIVING CASTLE – cultural, scientific and creative events for valorification of Daniel Castle in Tălișoara
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Project Promoter: „Daniel Kastély Egyesület” Association
Project duration: 13 months, but no later than 31.03.2016
Total project amount: RON 245,390, i.e. EUR 55,420.29
Grant amount: RON 220,851, i.e. EUR 49,878.26

The main goal of the project is the valorification from a scientific and cultural point of view of the Daniel castle from Tălișoara and to facilitate the public access to all the elements of the castle of great patrimonial value.

The Daniel Castle in Tălișoara, Covasna County, is one of the most important historical monuments in Transylvania. It was built in renaissance style by the noble family Daniel, in four major construction phases starting the XVII century and until the late XIX.

Specific objectives:

  • protection and valorification of the castle by hosting a series of scientific conferences and events and a number of creative artistic sessions;
  • turning the castle into the main touristic attraction of the region that will contribute to the economic growth and social development of the local community;
  • consolidation of the cultural identity of the Hungarian community from the region.

Expected results after implementing the above actions:

  • a detailed written and visual documentary about the restored renaissance paintings discovered in the castle;
  • a permanent exhibition about the castle's history located in the building;
  • a newly painted coffered ceiling of the first floors northern wing;
  • a number of new artefacts (paintings and sculptures) – related to the castle and its cultural heritage;
  • a constantly increasing number of visitors during and after the project;
  • increased involvement of specialists, local population and other beneficiary groups in the conservation and valorification of the castle;
  • a crystallized know-how package about how to showcase such elements of the cultural built heritage that can be used for other castles and manors in the region;
  • the castle becomes a key pillar of the cultural life of the region.

The project aims to conduct a series of activities and events:

  • “LIVING CASTLE” promotion campaign
  • Permanent exhibition about the history of Daniel Castle from Tălișoara
  • Artistic creation camp to paint the coffered ceilings of the castle
  • Artistic creation camp – painting
  • Artistic creation camp – sculpture
  • Artistic creation camp – photo and film
  • Historical research, graphic reconstruction and documentation of the renaissance wall paintings in the castle
  • Scientific conference on valorification of historical monuments.

Project news

IMPACT

From a building, that although renovated, was falling outside the cultural and touristic circuit, the Daniel Castle from Tălișoara was turned into an important cultural venue of the region, attracting tourists and visitors through its rich cultural offering. It also became a strong and representative messenger for the cultural heritage left behind by the Hungarian nobility since renaissance times, through exhibitions, events, and publications bringing this heritage closer to the public. 

The four artistic creation camps that were organized under the Living Castle umbrella hosted over 60 artists from various countries (Romania, Hungary, Iran) and resulted in over 110 valuable creations: sculptures, installations, paintings, films, photos and a painted wooden ceiling. These creations all reflect on the central motif of Hungarian cultural heritage, as represented by the castle, and its conservation, but from a multitude of different angles. This rich cultural offering established the castle as one of the most important cultural venues in the Covasna region, as it was also highlighted in the media coverage obtained.

 

The castle’s valorisation was also carried out from a historical and scientific point of view, through exhibitions, conferences and publications aiming to expound its history, and its significance for the cultural heritage of the Hungarian minority. Most importantly, the 17th century wall-paintings representing a painted chronicle of the noble family, unique in the Transylvanian cultural heritage, have been interpreted and the results were widely shared. A permanent historic exhibition and informative plaques have been placed in the castle, so, visitors not only visit one of the regions over 200 noble residences, but also learn about its history, and cultural importance. For example, the castle is the only place in Transylvania, where one can see original representations of traditions of the 17th century Hungarian noble courts, such as feasts, a prince’s wedding, or gifting the Ottoman Sultan for their independence. The results of the researching and interpretations have been also included in a book written in 3 languages, so that they can reach to a wide public, and were shared with the scientific community during 2 thematic conferences.

 

KEY FACTS

60 artists from various countries participated in 4 artistic creation camps
110 creations on the theme LIVING CASTLE
As a result, over 1000 visitors visited the Castle in just one year, learning about the values and the heritage of the 17th century noble culture in Transylvania.
Importantly, above mentioned events have been carried out with the involvement of local community (local youth Association Messzelto, local craftsmen and artists, representatives of public institutions) consolidating community involvement, and ensuring that they also benefit from the castle’s valorisation.

Photo Gallery

 

Video materials