Call for Applications: Built Heritage Conservation Training Camp at Bánffy Castle in Bonțida

The Transylvania Trust Foundation, tasked with the mission of restoring and revitalising Bánffy Castle in Bonțida, will organise a Built Heritage Conservation Training Camp in 2026 as well.

The Foundation has been organising annual hands-on trainings specialising in the rehabilitation of historic buildings since 2001. Our goal is to provide students with the opportunity to perform practical work in a historic environment, while also addressing the shortage of professionals and skilled workers in the field of built heritage conservation. Since 2001, we have hosted over 3,000 participants from 32 countries (among which Albania, Belgium, Brazil, France, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States etc.).

Date: 2–15 August 2026

Camp Structure:

• Theoretical training on the first day: presentations by lecturers from Romania and abroad. Simultaneous translation into Romanian, Hungarian, or English will be provided as needed.
• Hands-on training in one of the following workshops:
  1. Masonry, vault reconstruction and mural techniques (fresco, secco, sgraffito, stucco marmorino – 2 days),
  2. Traditional joinery and old furniture restoration.

Who can participate?

The camp is primarily aimed at students of architecture, civil engineering, landscape architecture, archaeology, and art history who wish to gain practical experience in the rehabilitation of built heritage. The programme is also open to construction workers seeking specialisation, as well as any individuals interested in the restoration of historic monuments.

During the two-week programme, the participants will have the opportunity to:

• Learn the theoretical principles and methodology of built heritage conservation from specialised lecturers from Romania and abroad, and apply them in practice during the workshops.
• Actively participate in the restoration of Bánffy Castle in Bonțida.
• Network with other (future) professionals in fields related to heritage protection, exchange experiences, and broaden their knowledge.

Upon completion of the camp, following an assessment, participants will receive a certificate of attendance.

Practical Information:

• Location: Bánffy Castle, Bonțida, Romania.
• Duration of the camp: 14 days.
• Registration: applications must be submitted by filling out our registration form.
• Application deadline: 2 March 2026
• Participation fee: €350/person/module, or 1,780 RON. (if payment is made by 20 February 2026, a 10% discount is provided; in this case, the participation fee is €315, or 1,600 RON). The participation fee covers the costs of tuition, accommodation and meals for the participants.
• For further details regarding our camps and activities, please contact us at: bhct@transylvaniatrust.ro

Note: The number of available places is limited.

For more information, please visit the following link: https://bhct.transylvaniatrust.ro/en/home/

This project is supported by the Romanian Order of Architects, from the architectural stamp duty, and by The King’s Foundation.