Can these abandoned castles be reborn?

In Europe, rural castles hold a special place in cultural heritage, serving economic, residential, and symbolic functions. While grand urban royal residences have received constant attention, many rural castles have been systematically neglected. This study examines three castles (Bulci, Câmpulna, and Petriș) in the Lower Mureș Valley in Romania, to understand how these symbols of a fragmented past have been marked by historical ruptures, regime changes, and marginalisation policies, and to explore their current potential to be transformed from derelict spaces into spaces of local importance. Methodologically, three steps were taken: (1) an assessment of the state of conservation and the factors that led to the degradation of these noble domains was carried out; (2) research was conducted on the perception of stakeholders regarding how castles can become a generator of local development; and (3) an analysis of the development proposals around these castles from stakeholders was performed. The study is based on 35 semi-structured interviews conducted with stakeholders and residents of the castle communities analysed, and on a thematic content analysis of these interviews. The findings of the research suggest a state of conservation that is insecure, and the perceptions of stakeholders indicate a necessity for institutional intervention and public–private partnerships. There is also a conviction that attracting large-scale investors is essential for the revitalisation of these monuments. The responses indicate a genuine concern for the future of the castles. The proposals for the development of the castles are oriented towards their utilisation in cultural tourist circuits.

The study adopts an interdisciplinary approach combining conservation assessment, socio-economic survey, and development policy analysis. The conservation analysis employed monitoring sheets based on standardized parameters (material condition, moisture presence, structural damage) to quantify degradation. Factors identified include natural erosion, lack of maintenance, previous misuse, and political instability. The qualitative survey involved 35 interviewees, including owners, site managers, municipal officials, tour guides, and residents, exploring perceptions, expectations, and barriers to active involvement. Thematic analysis grouped responses into three macro-themes: (i) urgency of conservation interventions, (ii) desire for public‑private partnerships, (iii) interest in cultural tourism models. Development proposals range from functional restoration to the creation of themed tourist routes, event spaces, and artisanal workshops, reflecting a vision that integrates castles into the regional tourism offer while preserving their historical identity. Final recommendations emphasize the need for an integrated management plan, sustainable funding, and awareness campaigns to transform abandoned heritage into a driver of social and economic cohesion.