Szárhegy (Lăzarea), is situated 5 km far from Gheorgheni, to the north of it, at the foot of the Sarmani Mountain (967 m). Szárhegy, one of the oldest settlements of the Giurgeului Basin has become one of the touristic and cultural centres of Szeklerland. In its monuments the classical Gothic, the Renaissance and the Baroque elements combine successfully with the folk tradition aiming at simplicity.


Its artist camp meant to preserve folk traditions, painting and handicrafts exhibitions enjoy national fame. The village with its beautiful surroundings, rich in historic monuments is also preferred by the likers of village tourism. Its well-functioning auberge network mobilizes the villagers greatly. The picturesque Lázár Castle, the ancient home of the Lázár family is the most important lay monument from the late Middle Ages. The history of the building is linked to the history of the Lázár family from Csíkszenttamás (Tomeşti). The originally petty aristocratic Lázár family gained nationally important titles in the 15th century. Several members of the family were government officials for the Seckler District. In the second half of the 15th century Andras Lazar had the first stone building built. This represented the nucleus of the future castle. Archeological diggings show that under the so-called gate bastion of today there are the ruins of a three-room building and those of some walls as well. This early building may have been extended to the north and to the east. On the inner painted carriage gate there is a short, small lettered inscription and the date 1532. Archeologists believe that when the big gate was finished, the inner yard was surrounded by walls. Part of these walls can still be seen in the 17th century walls. The building of the late renaissance castle started at the beginning of the 17th century. Istvan Lazar, Prince Gabor Bethlen’s uncle ordered a series of modifications to the castle. Influenced by the constructions in the Prince’s court, Istvan Lazar ordered the building of Italian bastions on the southern corners of the wall surrounding the yard. On the north – eastern and north – western corners polygonal towers were erected (one of these towers remained unfinished). In the style of the princiary building the southern facade received painted battlements. Today some of these painted ornaments have been restaured. In the 1990s some parts of the castle, above all the Women’s House were also restaured. These restaures buildings now house the colony of artists and craftmen.

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Touristical objects


* Two camps function in Szárhegy: the Friendship Artist Camp formed in 1974 and the folk art creation camp founded in 1978 aiming at the preservation of the folk art values and the prepartation of the furnishing of the castle.
* Roman Catholic Parish Church and its fortressIt is one of the most beautiful monuments of the Roman age and the late Gothic. It is registered among the historical monuments of Harghita county.
* Saint Anthony Chapel (Sarmani Chapel). Situated at 870 m altitude, the former Gheorgheni pilgrimage place dating back to the 15th century bears the elements of the late Gothic style. From its vicinity, a wonderful panorama opens on the Giurgeului Basin. It is registered among the historic monuments of Harghita county.
* Franciscan Monastery and Church. The beautiful building complex is situated at the foot of the Sarmani Mountain, at 808 m altitude. The most significant Franciscan monastery of the Giurgiului Basin even today was built between 1669 and 1752. This pilgrimage place has also served as an education centre between 1771 - 1906. The chapel is surrounded by a strong wall. It is registered among the historical monuments of Harghita county.