Stunningly Restored Hungarian Renaissance Palace Now Open to Visitors
The former seat of the Principality of Transylvania, the restored princes’ palace in Gyulafehérvár (Alba Iulia), has been opened to the public for the first time. The Museum of the Principalities of Transylvania, located in one of the most important monuments of Transylvania, is now housed by its current owner, the Municipality of Gyulafehérvár. The institution, which is attached to the mayor’s office, officially opened its doors to visitors on Monday, February 5th.
The museum is offering free entry to the basic exhibition in the month of February, allowing visitors to explore the historical periods and key events of the castle and palace. The permanent exhibition also includes virtual curators who guide visitors through the rooms and provide information on the historical figures associated with the palace.
The renovation of the palace, which began in 2018 with EU funding, was completed in December 2023. The initial investment, estimated at EUR 5 million, was provided with EUR 4 million from the EU, and the local government covering the remaining cost. During the renovation, 16th-century rococo wall paintings were discovered in the halls.
The princes’ palace, located in the castle of Gyulafehérvár, has a rich history, having been built in the 15th century and expanded and rebuilt in the 16th and 17th centuries. Once the property of the Transylvanian bishopric, it became the property of the new principality in 1542. The princes of Transylvania ruled the country from this site for almost 150 years.
After being used as army barracks for over three centuries, the eastern wing of the palace was returned to the Roman Catholic Church in 1716 and is still the seat of the Archdiocese of Gyulafehérvár. It underwent renovation with the support of the Romanian state between 2008 and 2011.
The official opening of the restored princes’ palace had the participation of the Romanian Minister of Culture, Raluca Turcan, and the museum is set to open two additional exhibitions later this year focusing on important figures in Transylvanian history.
