The Mocioni Mansion in Foeni, a commune located approximately 43 kilometers south of Timisoara, is slated to transform into a cultural hub following a renovation initiative costing over €2.4 million, as announced by the Ministry of Culture.
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The restoration initiative was carried out by the Timisoara City Council in collaboration with the Timisoara Intercultural Institute and North Consulting from Iceland, with assistance provided by the Project Management Unit within the Ministry of Culture.
In the last two years, significant renovations have been carried out with emphasis on preserving the historical aspects of the mansion, as stated by the Timiș County Council. Future projects include paving the inner courtyards, establishing green spaces, and restoring both the marble entryway steps and the internal wooden staircases. Additionally, plans encompass setting up living quarters, equipping a state-of-the-art kitchen, and opening a café.
Local officials intend to incorporate the mansion into a county-wide touristic path featuring its mansions, castles, and various historical landmarks.
“The structure marks the beginning of a planned touristic route within the county, featuring estates, fortresses, as well as places of worship and historic landmarks. This initiative aims at drawing tourists not only to this county but also to the broader area known as Banat. Supporting ventures related to culture, education, arts, and significant heritage sites is essential duty. Our plans extend beyond just this site to include structures in locations such as Banloc, Jamu Mare, Parța, and others since each passing day reveals additional points worth showcasing,” stated Alfred Simonis, who serves as the head of the Timiș County Council.
At the estate, visitors can explore a museum section, a digital archive featuring historical records of the family who once lived there, as well as an imminent temporary exhibit by artist Silviu Oravitzan.
The Mocioni Mansion, designed by architect Mor Kallina circa 1750, boasts a Neoclassical architectural style.
The Mocioni clan, tracing their roots back to the Aromanians, relocated to Hungary and made their home in Banat. They distinguished themselves as political figures, humanitarians, and promoters of Romanian cultural heritage.
(Photo: cultura.ro)
simona@romania-insider.com