The Calendar Castle: Architecture by Numbers
The castle was built by Baron István Ugron, the Romanian ambassador to Russia at the time, and its architecture follows the structure of a year:
365 windows – one for every day of the year.
52 rooms – for each week in a year.
12 hallways – representing the months.
7 terraces – for the days of the week.
4 towers – symbolizing the four seasons.
Ugron Castle in Zau de Campie with red peonies.
Legend has it that István Ugron built this masterpiece to win the heart of a Russian princess. He spared no expense, using the finest materials and the most precise architectural plans. However, the princess had a condition: she wanted the road leading to the castle to be paved entirely with gold coins.
The Baron began the work, but when he was halfway through, the princess realized he might actually succeed. She then changed her mind, or as other stories say, the onset of the Bolshevik Revolution forced her to flee, leaving the Baron and his "Calendar Castle" alone in the Transylvanian hills. He never married and lived his life in the shadow of this architectural monument to his unrequited love.
Biodiversity: The Peony Sanctuary
A visit to the Ugron Castle is incomplete without seeing the Zau de Câmpie Peony Reserve (Rezervația de Bujori de Stepă) nearby.
- The Steppe Peony: This is the only place in Romania (and one of the few in Europe) where these rare, vibrant red flowers grow.
- The Blooming Season: If you visit in late April or early May, the hills around the castle turn blood-red, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle.
- The Survival: Unlike many other aristocratic residences that were destroyed during the World Wars or the Communist era, the castle's exterior remains remarkably intact.
- The Secret Tunnels: Local lore suggests there are underground passages connecting the castle to the nearby church, used by the Baron for discreet movement.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ugron Castle
1. Why is it called the "Calendar Castle"?
The castle was built by Baron István Ugron following a precise mathematical and chronological symbolism: 365 windows (days), 52 rooms (weeks), 12 hallways (months), 7 terraces (days of the week), and 4 towers (seasons).
2. Where is Ugron Castle located?
It is located in the village of Zau de Câmpie, in Mureș County, Transylvania. It’s about 50 km (31 miles) from Târgu Mureș and 60 km (37 miles) from Cluj-Napoca (see more).
3. Can I visit the interior of the castle?
As of 2026, the castle is under the administration of the Mureș County Council and often undergoes restoration phases. While the interior access may be restricted to certain events or guided tours, the exterior and the surrounding park are the main attractions for photographers and history buffs.
4. What is the best time to visit?
The absolute best time is late April to early May. This coincides with the blooming of the Steppe Peonies (Bujorii de Stepă) in the nearby botanical reserve, which is the only one of its kind in the Carpathian garden.
5. Is there a legend associated with the castle?
Yes, a very romantic one! It is said the Baron built it for a Russian Princess he fell in love with while serving as a diplomat. She allegedly asked him to pave the road to the castle with gold coins, but the project was never finished due to the start of the First World War.
6. How much time should I spend there?
A visit to the castle exterior and a walk through the Peony Reserve takes about 2 to 3 hours. It’s a perfect half-day trip if you are staying in Târgu Mureș or Cluj.
7. Is there an entrance fee?
Usually, there is no fee to admire the castle from the park. However, during the peony blooming season, the botanical reserve may charge a small symbolic fee (around 5-10 RON) [1-2 EUR] for maintenance.
8. Are there any facilities nearby?
Zau de Câmpie is a quiet village. While there are small local shops, for fine dining or premium accommodation, it is best to head back to Târgu Mureș or explore the nearby Ludus area.
