The Reconstruction of Dessewffy Castle, Tolcsva

Architects: Gábor Erhardt, Ferenc Salamin 
Text and photos: Bálint Botzheim 

The village Tolcsva is located right in the heart of the Tokaj-Hegyalja region: it is the geographical centre of this landscape. The castle once belonging to the Dessewffy family is found in the historic core of the settlement. With its history spanning over more than three centuries, it is a formative structure for the villagers. Its reconstruction recently completed as well as its well-conceived reutilization seem to serve as a firm foundation for the future of the building. In its original form it was most probably designed as a typically Renaissance-style mansion with a central projection and arcades on both levels.

During its conversion in the Baroque era the arcades were filled with walls and also two corner projections were added to it. As a result of the present-day reconstruction project, the Baroque design of the building was the starting point but its spatial configuration has preserved the Renaissance design.

Leading architects: Gábor Erhardt, Ferenc Salamin – AXIS Építésziroda Kft.
Interiors: Ágnes Bálint – Kéttemplom Galéria
Structure: Zoltán Pataki  – MEPA-Expert Mérnökiroda Kft.
HVAC: Péter Erhardt – Novoterv-Gépész Bt.
Electrical engineering: Gábor Münnich – Fényesvölgy Kft.
Gardening: Zsuzsa Illyés – Pagony Kft.
Client: Helia-D Kft.
Contractor: László Ács – Polyis Kft.