Castelul Wesselényi, Hodod/Wesselényi-kastély, Hadad/Wesselényi Castle, Hodod

Wesselényi Castle, Hodod

National Monument Number:
SM-II-a-B-05313
Address:
Hodod
Ownership:
private property

While the beginning of the century was characterized by the modernization, transformation of old buildings, the second half of the century was characterized by the appearance of new baroque-style castles and manor-houses. Among these, the castle from Hodod is considered one of the earliest. Fortunately, the Wesselényi family's archives have preserved almost all construction documents, so we are able to follow the course of construction and determine the identity of craftsmen involved in building the castle. The castle built in Baroque-style can be found in the center of the village, near the highway that crosses the locality.

The building has a rectangular ground plan and its facade is facing the courtyard. There is a flower garden in front of the facade facing the street. On both sides, the entrance facing the courtyard is decorated with a late-baroque vase standing on a high pedestal. The building's main facade with 9 axis is delimited by two single-axis corner risalit and a hardly outstanding middle risalit with 3 axis. The same-shaped windows are delimited by lesene with no base or capitals. The middle part contains a protruding arched portico supported by 4 pillars with lesene with no base or capitals. The first and third of the three frontal arches of the portico contains a solid balustrade. The central facade, also facing to the street, has 9 axis. This facade is highlighted by a 1-axis corner risalit and a 3-axis, protruding middle risalit with semicircular groud plan. The entrance, with 3-3 stairs, is represented by the lateral arches connected to the building. The building's rounded corners are enclosed by lesene. The building is surrounded by an impressive plinth. The interior of the castle faithfully preserves its original state. The chaimbers are lined up one behind the other. The rooms with cozy, intimate atmosphere have cloister or mirror vaults with simple cornice. The impressive oval ceremonial hall is covered by a dome decorated with stucco. The large room and the lobby contains a carved fireplace. The door frames are made in late Baroque-style. The high mansard roof, covered with gray slate is divided into several parts. The roof peaks are decorated with urns crafted in the style of XVI. Lajos (Louis XVI .). The Castel of Hodod did not have much impact on the future development of castle architecture. We cannot find another structure similar to this one, but trough the work of its craftsmen, as well as the general lessons that can be drawn from the history of architecture, the castle plays an important role in the history of the Transylvanian Baroque. The building functioned as a Mayor's Office, then as a school and library and now it represents a private property.