The Savarsin Royal Castle, located in western Romania near Arad, was restored according to information in Queen Elena’s diary. The works, which required an investment of more than EUR 1 million and lasted eight years, were completed on October 27.

Crown Princess Margareta and Prince Radu attended the ceremony at the castle, which took place just days after King Michael's 94th birthday celebration.

“The castle has the Queen’s spirit, the spirit of the King, it is a historic place and we want to keep it this way,” said Princess Margareta, cited by local Mediafax.

According to her, everything was stolen from the castle after the building was confiscated at the middle of last century. The original interior was rearranged with the help of some locals who donated old items such as tables and chairs. King Michael has overseen the works remotely and provided information on how the interiors used to look like so they would be reconstructed exactly.

A clock brought from Florence by Queen Mother Elena is the oldest object in the castle, according to the Princess. There is also a wooden gate that dates from around 1500.

According to representatives of the Royal House, the exterior domain of the castle and the surrounding park will be open to the public from next year. The visitors won't be allowed inside the castle, as this is the Royal Family's private residence.

The restoration works started in 2007 and were made after an initial plan developed by the Royal House’s architect Serban Sturdza. Architects Eugen Panescu and Emilian Cordos have also helped with the project while professor architect Augustin Ioan has provided consultancy. Built heritage specialist David Baxter has also worked with the Royal Family during these eight years.

Cluj-based Pro Restauratio and ICCO Brasov were the main construction companies that worked on the castle. Remus Beleiu and MobilArt, his company of artists in wood art, also contributed at the project.

The Royal Family also owns the Elisabeta Palace in Bucharest and the Peles Castle in Sinaia, which is open for tourists.

Over EUR 150,000 raised at the 2015 edition of the Royal Charity Concert in Bucharest

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

(Photo source: romaniaregala.ro; Photo credit: Cristian Coposesc)