Part of the Huniade Castle in Timisoara, one of the oldest castles in Romania, could be reopened to the public in 2021, the year when the Romanian city will be the European Capital of Culture.

The castle has been going through a consolidation process for ten years now, and part of the work could be completed in four years, reports local Agerpres. However, the authorities seem not to be happy with the quality of work, as the reception committee within Timis County Council has asked for a quality expertise of all the interventions carried out so far.

“The northwest wing of the castle is 80% done, this being the area destined to the most important exhibitions and areas of interests for visitors. […] I’m directly interested in identifying some sources of financing so that the public can have access to Huniade Castle by 2021,” said Roxana Iliescu, vice-president Timis County Council.

The Timis Inspectorate for Emergency Situations also put some conditions for the partial opening of the castle, such as the construction of access and evacuation routes in case of emergency, as the castle is expected to attract a large number of tourists.

In the ten years of consolidation work, the castle has been the subject of at least four unfinished rehabilitation projects, according to Agerpres. The contract signed in 2012 had a value of RON 12 million (some EUR 2.6 million), with most of the money being paid.

Built in 1307 by order of King Carol Robert D’Anjou, the castle initially served as a royal residence. Later, between 1441-1456, Iancu de Hunedoara lived here with his family. In 1443, he decided to rebuild the castle, which was badly damaged by the earthquake that occurred year.

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Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com

(Photo source: Wikipedia)