Thobias Castle
About Thobias Castle
In a village in the Buia valley, in the commune of Șeica Mare, some 35 km from Sibiu, stands the manor known as Thobias Castle (spelled Tobias in some sources). Tradition links it to a Hungarian count of that name, and an inscription in the cellar gives the year 1770, taken as the moment the building was raised in its present form, with minor additions from the 20th century. Documents on the manor's beginnings are few and vague.
After nationalisation the building became a children's home, like many other manors confiscated by the state. The home closed around 2000 and the manor passed to Sibiu County Council, which tried several times, without success, to lease it. In 2020 it was sold at auction to the founders of the Finnish School in Sibiu, who want to restore it and set up a learning centre for children and adults here, but the work depends on European funding.
What you can see
The building has two pavilions, a basement and a raised ground floor, with about 600 m² of usable space. The main façade stands out for its porch with three arches, balustrades with oval openings and a scrolled pediment, typical of Transylvanian noble residences. The plaster has fallen away in places, and the roof and interior are damaged. From the upper-floor veranda there are views of the village and the surrounding hills.
Good to know
The manor is privately owned and has no visiting hours. Entering is not possible because it is in ruins; it can only be seen from outside, from the road or the edge of the property. The România Atractivă platform lists it as “temporarily closed”, and no restoration works have been reported in the press.
Information verified on 13 October 2026.
- The three-arched porch and the balustrades with oval openings on the main façade.
- The scrolled pediment above the entrance, Baroque in character.
- The upper-floor veranda, with views over Boarta and the surrounding hills.
- The setting in the valley at the edge of the village, with meadows and woods all around.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: Boarta lies in the commune of Șeica Mare, about 35 km from Sibiu; check the exact route on a map before setting off, as the manor stands in the village at the end of a local road.
Public transport: there are no known direct links to the village; in practice it can only be reached by car.
- Where to park
There is no car park; cars are left at the roadside in the village, without blocking residents' access.
- Rules
Private property in ruins: do not enter the building or go past the fence. Photographing from the outside, from the road, is generally tolerated. Respect the villagers' peace and do not leave litter.
- Facilities
no visitor facilities · no toilets, shop or café on site · few services in the village
Frequently asked questions about Thobias Castle
- How long does a visit to Thobias Castle take?
- A visit to Thobias Castle takes about 20 min (exterior only, estimate).
- Can you visit Thobias Castle with kids?
- No, Thobias Castle is not recommended for visits with children (ruin, no access inside).
- Where can I park at Thobias Castle?
- There is free parking at Thobias Castle (at the roadside in the village). There is no car park; cars are left at the roadside in the village, without blocking residents' access.
- How do I get to Thobias Castle?
- Thobias Castle is located at Strada Principală, no. 157–158, Boarta, Sibiu County. By car: Boarta lies in the commune of Șeica Mare, about 35 km from Sibiu; check the exact route on a map before setting off, as the manor stands in the village at the end of a local road. Public transport: there are no known direct links to the village; in practice it can only be reached by car.
- When is the best time to visit Thobias Castle?
- The best season for Thobias Castle: April – October (nicer in summer, on a dry road).
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