LILLA AND ATTILA'S
story
The book, love at first sight, challenges and guiding principles
Lilla & Attila Rácz
At home on the castle grounds
Lilla and Attila Rácz built their careers in the corporate world in Bucharest. Life was fast, structured, and predictable. Yet, somewhere along the way, a quiet desire began to grow. A desire to return closer to their roots in Transylvania and to create something meaningful. Something real.
They started looking for a project that would allow them to build long-term value, not only in business, but also in the community and the region they loved.
Then, the castle found them.
One winter, Lilla received a book about noble residences in the region. While browsing through its pages, one place stood out. A forgotten estate in the village of Tălișoara, described simply as a building that "was waiting for a better fate."
Curious and intrigued, they drove there on a cold winter day. What they discovered was an abandoned Renaissance residence with more than 350 years of history. The walls were worn, the rooms empty, and yet, the atmosphere was unforgettable. They didn't see decay. They saw potential.
It was love at first sight.
In 2008, they decided to take a leap of faith and purchased the property, beginning a long and complex restoration process. The following years were dedicated to research, design, fundraising, and careful renovation.
During the works, they uncovered original frescoes hidden beneath layers of plaster, reconnecting the present with the past, centimetre by centimetre.
The Beginning
Lilla and Attila Rácz in 2008 in front of the newly acquired Daniel Castle
2008
Acquisition & Vision
Acquisition by the Rácz family and the start of a lengthy renovation and restoration process
The Challenge
The castle in its raw state during early restoration—a testament to the magnitude of the transformation ahead.
2014
Grand Opening
Castle Hotel Daniel initially opens with 8 rooms
Grand Opening
Castle Hotel Daniel opens its doors with 8 beautifully restored rooms
Cellarium Slow Down Spa
The vaulted cellar pool beneath centuries-old stone arches
2018
Expansion & Wellness
Bethlen Castle building is added to the estate: 12 rooms, a restaurant and the Cellarium Slow Down Spa
2022
Gardens & Culture
Rehabilitation of 3 hectares of castle gardens, event barn and a 1680 Reloaded multimedia exhibition added to the estate
1680 Reloaded Exhibition
Historical costumes and frescoes brought to life in the multimedia exhibition hall
Crafts House
Traditional fireplace and warm interiors in the newest addition to the estate
2026
Next Chapter
Coming soon: Crafts House
Hover each point to explore the estate
Our Team
At the entrance of Daniel Castle
Reception Team
Reception Team
Your first point of contact at Daniel Castle. Our reception team ensures a warm welcome and seamless check-in, setting the tone for your entire stay with personalised attention to every detail.
Corporate Relationships
Our corporate relationships manager builds lasting partnerships with travel agencies, event planners, and corporate clients — bringing groups and special occasions to the castle for unforgettable experiences.
Corporate Relationships Manager
Restaurant & Service Team
Restaurant & Service
From breakfast to candlelit dinners, our restaurant and service team curates every meal with care — serving locally sourced dishes inspired by Transylvanian tradition in an elegant castle setting.
Kitchen Team
The heart of our culinary experience. Our kitchen team transforms fresh, local ingredients into refined dishes that honour Transylvanian flavours while embracing modern gastronomy.
Kitchen Team
Spa Team
Spa Team
Dedicated to your relaxation and wellbeing, our spa team operates the Cellarium Slow Down Spa — offering restorative treatments beneath centuries-old vaulted stone arches.
Housekeeping Team
Behind every perfectly prepared room is our housekeeping team. They ensure that every corner of the castle meets the highest standards of cleanliness and comfort — making you feel truly at home.
Housekeeping Team
Maintenance Team
Maintenance Team
Guardians of a 400-year-old estate. Our maintenance team preserves the castle's historic beauty while keeping everything running smoothly — from the gardens and grounds to the centuries-old stonework.
LIVING CASTLE
foundation
The Daniel Castle Association is the cultural initiator behind the "Living Castle" framework, a long-term vision dedicated to activating the castle as a space of contemporary creativity and historical reflection.
Through periodic international art camps, we have brought together artists from countries such as Iran, Mongolia, South Korea, Romania and Hungary to create site-specific works inspired by the spirit of the castle. These creations can be discovered throughout the castle park and within the historic buildings, forming a growing dialogue between heritage and contemporary art.
International Art Camp
The "1680 Reloaded" multimedia exhibition developed by the association, makes the castle's rich past accessible to guests and visitors alike, offering an immersive insight into the history, architecture and stories of the estate.
1680 Reloaded Exhibition
Periodically we co-organise local cultural events — including the Renaissance Music Festival — contributing to the castle's role as a vibrant cultural destination rooted in community and tradition.
Renaissance Music Festival
The Daniel Castle estate was established in the early 1600s by the Daniel de Vargyas family, one of Transylvania's most influential noble families. The main castle building was transformed into its current form in the mid-17th century under János Daniel, and later his son Mihály Daniel and wife Judit Haller. The family's coat of arms was proudly placed on the main façade in 1669.
The castle's ceremonial hall features extraordinary murals painted around 1680 that were rediscovered during restoration. These richly detailed artworks are among the castle's greatest treasures, depicting the Daniel family's own history including military encounters, noble weddings, and even a diplomatic mission to the Ottoman Sultan. They represent a rare visual chronicle of Transylvanian noble life from that era.
Yes! The '1680 Reloaded' multimedia exhibition is housed in our dedicated exhibition hall on the estate. This immersive experience brings the castle's history to life through modern technology. Please inquire at reception about visiting hours and guided tour options during your stay.
Absolutely! The estate features several event spaces including the Grand Ballroom in Daniel Castle and our dedicated Event Barn. The three-hectare gardens provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor celebrations. Whether you're planning a wedding, corporate event, or special celebration, our team can help create a memorable experience in this historic setting. Contact us for availability and event planning services.
While Bran Castle is just a short journey from us, Daniel Castle tells a very different story. The Dracula legend belongs to a darker, medieval narrative. Ours is rooted in a more refined chapter of Transylvanian history. One shaped by the Enlightenment, the Renaissance spirit, and a remarkable tradition of religious freedom. Rather than myth and mystery, you'll find here a living heritage of culture, elegance, and quiet sophistication.