The Barabássy manor house in Idrifaia – Mures County, one of the oldest Renaissance buildings in Transylvania, built in 1508 by Transylvania vice-voivode Barlabássy Lénárd, is welcoming visitors, the Visit Mures Association announced this week.

“A Transylvanian mansion over 500 years old, reborn from ruins: the Barabássy manor house in Idrifaia is today once again one of the most valuable historical monuments of the locality. The building was erected in 1508 by the vice-voivode of Transylvania, Barlabássy Lénárd, and is considered one of the oldest Renaissance buildings in Transylvania. Located just 28 km from Targu Mures, the building is not only a historical attraction, but also offers a special experience: the restored cellar under the building can accommodate 45 – 50 people and offers wine and palinka tastings. If you end up in the area of the Tarnava Mica Valley, it is worth making a small detour to discover this special building in Renaissance and Baroque style,” Visit Mures wrote on Facebook.

Visiting the Idrifaia manor house is by appointment.

Since 1686, it belonged to the Bethlen family of Ictar, who renovated it in Baroque style in 1745 and added further modifications in 1803, including terracotta stoves and a sculpted fountain in the garden.

After decades of decay following 1990, the mansion was returned to the Barabássy family’s descendants, who began restoring it in 2008 to its former glory as an “architectural jewel”.

The building is surrounded by a garden of approximately one hectare.