From Miniatures To Reality
About two weeks ago I posted about my visit to Mini Transilvania, a park with miniature historical buildings, replicas of the original. You can see a lot of miniature buildings, castles, churches, fortresses, fortified structures, very old schools, bastions, you name it. Basically it's the reproduction of Transylvanian history from early 13th century till today. This is my best guess based on what I saw, but I could be wrong, maybe 14th, 15th century. Anyway, it doesn't matter as you have all the information available, courtesy of the organizers, which is the best thing as you not only see the wonderful miniatures, but you also learn each structure's history. What can be more beautiful and educational than this?
When you arrive, and have a look, everything looks interesting and lovely, then browsing through them and reading the details, you realize how little you know. As I mentioned in my previous post, as soon as I exited the park, I had the plan already made in my head. I knew time is going to be a problem and here I am, after two years my plan is still in planning stage, but stronger than it ever was.
Kolozsvár - Cluj Napoca
This is the mock-up of the city center of Kolozsvár (Cluj Napoca), an important Transylvanian city. It's not just a building as in the previous cases, it's a good part of the city and here each language got a whole board allocated. Kolozsvár has a rich and colorful, sometimes painful history. It's been a while since I last visited the city and miss it as from cultural point of view, it's a real treasure.
Herculane Baths
This is a famous tourist destination, especially for those who are seeking different treatments. I wonder what this building looks like today. I have read that these mock-ups do not necessarily reflect the current state of the buildings. These were made to look good and to show the state in which the building once used to be, if at the time of creating they were deteriorated. This is a good idea in my opinion. Anyway, this is a place on my list and hope to visit it soon.
Bánffy Castle - Bontida
The Bánffy family is an ancient Hungarian noble family, whose members occupied prominent positions in the Kingdom of Hungary and later within the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Across different branches, the family was elevated to baronial rank in 1729 and to comital rank in 1855.
The Bánffy family had several castles, this was one of them. I've heard about it, but never had the pleasure to visit it. Turns out this place was luckier than others and there's a nice activity going on there.
In 2005, The Built Heritage Conservation Training Centre was officially opened at Bánffy Castle, which functions to this day, teaching traditional building crafts skills for the restoration, repair and maintenance of historic buildings and which was awarded, in 2008, the Europa Nostra prize in Cultural Heritage for education, training and awareness training. The program is supported by Charles, Prince of Wales, who visited the castle. The patron of the training centre is Princess Margareta of Romania.
In my opinion, these historical buildings should be given back to the people to use, and used as libraries, museums, culture centers and so on.
Bethlen Gábor Collage - Nagyenyed (Aiud)
Two years ago I passed through Nagyenyed (Aiud) and saw the collage. It's an impressive building and knowing its rocky past, it makes you appreciate it more. I had the chance to study in schools with an impressive past and it gives you a different feeling, trust me.
Nagyenyed (Aiud) Fortress
All the fortresses are interesting and unique in their own way, but this looks particularly cute to me. Looks like I need to go back to Nagyenyed (Aiud) and visit the place thoroughly.
The Fortified Church of Calnic
For those of you who are not familiar with the history of my country or how things used to work in the mentioned times, most of these fortified churches, fortresses were built on a hill, to be less accessible by the enemy. The tower served as observation point, to know when the enemy is coming and many were surrounded bu water as well. The bridge connecting the structure to the outside world was lifted when the enemy arrived and penetrating the establishment was made harder.
The tall walls of this fortified church were also serving for defending the people sheltered inside in case of an outside attack. I've never been here, so this place made the list too.
Coltesti Fortress
I've heard about this place but have never been there. After running a search, I sadly can tell that there are only the ruins available to visit today.
I was wondering if it would be possible to rebuild these fortresses, if the original place is still available, but the problem is, the budget is barely enough to maintain the existing ones, let alone build new ones.

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Wow what a beautiful picture my friend❤️
i love castles too! i visited many of those we have around here, no miniatures tough... i think it's cool to have them as miniatures, you can get to know them and become interested in visiting them, you can see how it was... fortified church is interesting, i've never seen one but i guess with ottomans always on the door it was needed
That's a fascinating place, I've never seen such a model of a city like that. It would be very interesting to tour the miniatures then go on a tour to see the buildings in full! I know you'll take lots of photos when you go to visit lol. The Banffy Castle is especially interesting to me as it has that conservation training center. I love researching and learning about the building and construction of those times. Modern buildings don't hold a candle to the old ones.
And visit a very nice place, a historical place with very cool miniatures.
I’d totally love to visit a place like this someday. It’s awesome how each model has a story behind it. Makes you realize how much history is out there that we don’t even know yet .
Wow, this is incredible! Seeing these miniatures brought to life through your words and photos is captivating. It's a powerful reminder of the stories held within these buildings and the importance of preserving them.
I love your idea of giving old buildings back to the people as libraries, museums or cultural hubs. It keeps their spirit alive, not just as relics, but as part of the present.
I really hope these won't get damaged over time with all the bad weather conditions or maybe tourists who don't respect the art there. Everything is so beautiful!
Weather conditions you can do nothing about it but some people act like animals and destroy public and private property just for fun. The good thing is, there are cameras everywhere, plus with 3D printing available, most likely replicating another piece woul not be difficult.
But yes, I agree, better not destroy these.
Sir, you have taken very beautiful pictures. And your way of explaining has touched my heart. I hope we can learn a lot from you in this way.
Reading your post was like taking a lovely walk through history. I enjoyed that every small detail had a buried memory that could be recalled. The blend of photos and stories was remarkable. It is mind-blowing how much a small thing can be packed with. I personally also loved your suggestions of how the public could be allowed access and use the structures. They should not only be looked at, but they should be lived in. The words you shared with us, which inspired us all, were very beautiful, and I’m grateful for the posts.
The place is so interesting. The miniature looks so amazing and you can see the hardwork through those buildings. How i wish i can visit like that places soon. Thamkyou for sharing this here🥰
It's great how Mini Transilvania sparked your desire to explore the real historical sites! 💖 It shows how powerful these miniatures can be. It's amazing to see your passion for history and preserving these treasures ✨ Hopefully, you'll visit those places and see them personally soon! 🙏
That feeling of leaving a place like this with your head full of plans and the desire to learn more is the best. ✨
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Such a lovely post, like the previous one about this place filled with miniature models and their stories... The miniature in the first photo, the one of the entire city center of Kolozsvár, seemed amazing to me because of the small scale needed to represent such an area... The theme of that place is truly fascinating. Thanks for letting us see it. Excellent article as always. Have a great weekend @erikah friend...
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So, are we going back to the castles,just like when I first met you here in Hive? 😃