Lăpușna

Lăpușna is not a castle but a village within the Ibănești commune, located in Mureș County, Transylvania, Romania. Situated in the western foothills of the Gurghiu Mountains at an altitude of 474 meters, it lies on the banks of the Gurghiu River and its tributaries. The village is approximately 15 kilometers east of Reghin and 48 kilometers northeast of the county seat, Târgu Mureș, near the border with Harghita County. Historically known by the Hungarian name Laposnyatelep, Lăpușna is one of ten villages that make up the Ibănești administrative area, which has been inhabited for centuries with population records dating back to the mid-19th century.

The area is characterized by its rural landscape and traditional architecture rather than fortified structures. A notable landmark mentioned in local records is a wooden church, which reflects the region's specific architectural style and religious heritage. The commune is predominantly Romanian, with the majority of residents adhering to the Romanian Orthodox faith, though Greek Catholic and Protestant communities have also been present throughout history. The village is crossed by county road DJ153C and serves as part of the route for the Via Transilvanica long-distance trail, connecting it to broader regional tourism networks.

There is no historical record of a castle in Lăpușna, nor any data regarding a construction year or defensive architectural style typically associated with castles. The site's significance lies in its role as a traditional Transylvanian settlement within the Gurghiu valley. Today, the village remains a quiet residential area, maintaining its cultural identity through its churches and connection to the surrounding natural environment. Visitors interested in the area typically explore the wooden religious structures and the scenic hiking trails that pass through the commune's various villages.