Karas Castle
Karas Castle was built at the end of the 18th century, possibly in 1795, as a residence for the family of Count Miklós Antal Karas (1715–1797), the founder of the town of Horgoš. Young Karas, originally from southern Slovakia, built a successful career in Csongrád County: in 1739 he became chief notary of Szeged and later a parliamentary representative of the county.
Karas Castle was built at the end of the 18th century, possibly in 1795, as a residence for the family of Count Miklós Antal Karas (1715–1797), the founder of the town of Horgoš. Young Karas, originally from southern Slovakia, built a successful career in Csongrád County: in 1739 he became chief notary of Szeged and later a parliamentary representative of the county.
Horgoš was settled in the 1770s, and construction of the castle began in the 1780s. Around 1790, the reed roof burned down, and Miklós’ son István enriched the castle with frescoes and a French garden after his father’s death. The castle is a typical example of Baroque style, designed by an unknown Viennese architect. The building is L-shaped, with an impressive staircase, veranda, wrought-iron gate, composite pilasters, frieze with triglyphs and metopes, Baroque pediment, high mansard roof, and floral stucco decoration.
After World War I, the castle was abandoned, and the family moved to Seghalm. During World War II, the library was burned and the furnishings removed. Postwar, the castle served as a school, and today it is abandoned and in poor condition. The roof has been renovated, new replica windows installed, and the facade is being prepared for replastering and repainting. The castle is protected and surrounded by a temporary fence.
