This brief description presents the story of the Urmánczy estate situated in the centre of Topliţa (Harghita county). The estate’s history illustrates the transformations of urban architectural style during the communist era that led to the destruction of many historically significant buildings.

After the Second World War, the castle was confiscated by the Communist State. Starting from 1952, a hospital operated in the main building and its annexes for several years. More drastic alterations were made in 1971-1972. The roof was changed and these alterations spoiled the original proportions of the building. In 1986, a four-storied hospital was built just in front of the castle, at only a few meters distance from its façade. Most of the park was also destroyed. Several administrative buildings and blocks of flats were built in the former park, while the alleys connecting the city centre to the castle were eliminated. For a while the castle was not utilized but latter it was revived as museum and cultural centre. Although the building was returned to its former owners in 2009, the state rented it until 2013.