- Noémi Vizi
- Photos: Kovács Levente
- Reading time: 2 minutes
The Stróbel Castle in Bakonybánk, built on the site of the birthplace of Donát Bánki, inventor of the carburettor
Bakonybánk is a small settlement located approximately 40 km from Győr, in Komárom-Esztergom County. In this article, we explore the most famous building of the village, which is none other than the Stróbel Castle.
The Stróbel Castle was built on the plot where the childhood home of Donát Bánki, the renowned Hungarian mechanical engineer, once stood. Donát was born in 18591 as the fourth child of Dr Ignác Löwinger, the village physician, and Betti Salzer. In 1868, the family moved to Lovászpatona, meaning he lived in Bakonybánk only until the age of nine. In modern terms, he was privately educated before attending the main secondary school in Budapest’s 5th district. From there, he was admitted to the Royal Joseph Technical University in 1876. He completed his studies four years later and received his engineering diploma in 1893. During his university years, he changed his family name to Bánki. His talent was recognised by his professors, and he was offered a position as an assistant lecturer. Alongside several years of work as a designer, department manager and chief engineer at both state-owned and privately owned factories, he also worked as a researcher. Donát Bánki and János Csonka are credited with the invention of the carburettor. In 1898, the Technical University appointed him professor, making teaching an important part of his life alongside his inventions. In 1902, he presented his front-wheel-drive automobile, and in 1909 his aircraft stabiliser. He was one of Hungary’s most significant engineers, scientists and educators.
In 1922, the Stróbel Manor was built on the site of Donát Bánki’s birthplace. Its builder was Zoltán Stróbel, a landowner who did not come from a noble family2. His ancestors were involved in agriculture, while Zoltán’s own business successes enabled him to increase his wealth and commission the construction of the manor. Unfortunately, the sudden prosperity did not last long; the construction costs and the expenses associated with a high standard of living quickly consumed the family fortune. The castle remained in the family’s possession only for a relatively short period, as it was nationalised in 1945 during the wave of post-war confiscations of aristocratic estates. For many years, a small shop operated on the street-facing side of the building, but after the property returned to private ownership, this ceased and the renovation of the castle began.
Today, looking at the building, we see a patinated property more than 100 years old, clad in natural stone. Its structure is stable, and its roof construction – a traditional double-post timber roof structure – remains in excellent condition with the original beams preserved. The courtyard is well maintained but can be freely redesigned according to individual ideas. Upon entering the castle, we arrive in the first wing, where larger rooms are located, perfectly suitable for events and family gatherings. In the rear section, smaller residential areas have already begun to be developed. The 570 m² living area includes a total of 3 halls and 10 rooms. The property also has a basement and an attached building connected to the house, which could be converted into a garage.2-es lakótérben. Pincével is rendelkezik, illetve egy, a házzal összeépített épülettel, amelyből garázs alakítható ki.
The former Stróbel Castle is currently waiting for its new owner. Renovation works have already begun, but completion can be carried out according to the wishes and plans of the future owner. It could serve ideally as a family residence or even as a tourism-related property. The castle’s plot can also be expanded, as there are undeveloped plots surrounding it.
We hope to be able to report on its rebirth in the future.
