The Goga Manor in Ciucea

Goga Manor: A Historical Monument

Located in Ciucea, Cluj County, the Goga Manor has been listed as a historical monument in the region since 2010. Of course, the building has a much older history and has been present on Romanian soil since the late 19th century. Initially a castle, it was gradually transformed into a manor, and the construction is worthy of a resounding successful journey – numerous prominent figures in public life of the time have stepped inside and even resided for a significant period within the estate. Among these figures, as the name suggests, is the writer Octavian Goga. But let’s delve into the history behind these long-gone ideas.

The Transformation of the Manor

Restoration Efforts

Octavian Goga is not the one who orchestrated the construction of the castle – well, the truth is otherwise. After acquiring it, he was the one who initiated restoration efforts around 1921. Five years later, in 1926, things changed when the manor became multi-storied, expanded, and finished in the style of Brâncovenesc architecture.

Legacy of Veturia Goga

In 1938, Goga passed away, but his wife at that time, Veturia, truly dedicated herself to her husband’s purpose – to preserve the legacy and give meaning to the entire work of the person who had stood by her for so long. What is interesting to note about the marriage of the two is that it was actually built on the foundation of two failed attempts – namely, the previous marriages each of them had at the time they met.

The Museum Today

Today, the beautiful and imposing manor in Ciucea has transformed into a genuine museum dedicated to the two spouses, to the lovely Goga family of years gone by. The exhibits and the entire value of the museum are immeasurable, not only in terms of intrinsic value but also in terms of sentimental value.

The Library and Exhibits

The library still holds over 6,000 untouched volumes in languages such as German and English, with French being a constant presence. Paintings, an ineffable piano, and an 18th-century tapestry from Lyon add extra value to the already immaculate appearance of the house, which welcomes thousands of visitors annually, if not monthly.

The stories, including ideas of espionage and love that are hard to comprehend, have continuously lingered in the halls of the manor for years and years. Only the whistling that swirls through the branches of the fir trees seems to evoke the melancholy of the years that have passed without pause.