On April 15, Timiș County Council approved a project to take over the management of the Banloc Manor during an extraordinary plenary session. This agreement with the Banat Metropolitan Church allows for the development of new constructions aimed at cultural, tourism, and educational purposes while ensuring the protection and revitalization of the historic monument’s architectural character.
Alfred Simonis, the president of the Timiș County Council, stated that the goal goes beyond mere preservation; they aim to transform Banloc into a cultural and tourism hub for the region, emphasizing the significant potential of this investment. The management contract spans 25 years, enabling the attraction of European funds and the establishment of partnerships. The initial five years will focus on preparation and the launch of investment initiatives, followed by two decades where Banloc Manor is envisioned to act as a regional cultural and tourism center.
Historically, Banloc Castle was constructed in 1793 by Count Lázár Karátsonyi. In 1935, Princess Elisabeta, the eldest daughter of Queen Maria and King Ferdinand, purchased the estate from the family’s descendant, Imre Karátsonyi-Keglevich. However, the castle’s prominence waned after the princess’s exile in 1947, leading to vandalism and the destruction of valuable items. The archive and library were burned, and by 2008, Banloc Castle, located about 50 kilometers from Timișoara near the Serbian border, was granted to the Banat Metropolitan Church on a 49-year concession. Despite this, the church has struggled to secure funding for the restoration, and the condition of the castle has worsened over nearly 15 years.
The project to reclaim the manor aims to address these challenges and restore the site’s former glory while fostering cultural initiatives and tourism development in Timiș County.
