The day we visited the abandoned Schossberger Castle of Tura (Schossberger kastély) it was raining off and on consistently, which had turned the entire grounds into a muddy swamp. Our shoes squelched in the thick brown clay and massive organic mud-boots formed around our feet making us walk a bit like Frankenstein’s monster. The first steps of renovations had started leaving the beautiful shell of the castle surrounded by scaffolding, construction materials, and upturned earth.
HISTORY:
By the late 1800’s, Baron Sigmund Schossberger had acquired the land in the city of Tura and built this beautiful castle. An influential tradesman in Hungary, it was to be his summer and hunting home. It was designed in a neo-baroque/neo-renaissance style by the Hungarian architect Gyula Bukovics best known for his design of various grand villas along Andrasy Street in Budapest and the Italian Renaissance style building of the Ministry of Agriculture. He had studied under one of Hungary’s most influential architects of the 19th century Miklós Ybl and was greatly influenced by his style.
Throughout its history, the castle passed through various owners and was used as a military station for both German and Russian soldiers, a hospital, as well as a primary school during the 70s. It eventually fell into disrepair and nature began to take over.
PRESENT DAY:
Nowadays, the castle has been fully renovated with pristine landscaped grounds and serves as a luxury hotel.
During our visit, much of what I imagine to be the original features had been gutted. Tall imposing walls and a beautiful foyer hinted at its former grandeur.
THE SURROUNDING AREA:
THE CASTLE:
HEADING HOME:
Talissa Mehringer © 2018