Castell Mikes de Zăbala

Castell Mikes de Zăbala is a castle in Zăbala, Romania, featuring stone carvings, decorative woodwork, and frescoes throughout its chambers. The complex sits within a large English park and includes both older and newer building sections connected by underground passages.

The castle was originally built around 1500 as a fortified residence and underwent major renovations in 1867 when the Mikes family transformed it into a noble residence. These changes combined the older structures with new elements to create the building we see today.

The castle reflects Transylvanian building traditions with Gothic and Renaissance details that reveal the region's Hungarian cultural roots. Visitors can see how the noble family lived through the rooms and their period furnishings.

The castle operates as a hotel with varied accommodation options, including suites in the main building and separate guesthouses from different periods. Visitors should allow time to explore the extensive grounds and the various sections of the buildings spread across the property.

An underground tunnel connects the older and newer sections of the complex and now serves as a wine storage area for the estate. This hidden passage reveals the practical engineering of earlier residents and adds a layer of intrigue to a visit.