Corvin Castle — Attraction in Hunedoara

Castelul Corvinilor, located at Strada Curtea Corvinilor, Hunedoara, Romania, is a striking Gothic-Renaissance castle with a rich history dating back to the 15th century.

It was built by John Hunyadi, a prominent military leader and Voivode of Transylvania, on the site of an older stone fortress. The castle was designed both as a formidable defensive stronghold and as a grand residence symbolizing the power of the Hunyadi family.

Its imposing structure stands on a rocky outcrop above the Zlaști River, featuring massive towers, bastions, and a donjon, which reflect its military and residential functions.

The castle is renowned for its architectural complexity and historical significance. It includes notable sections such as the Knight's Hall, used for feasts; the Diet Hall, where ceremonies and formal receptions took place; and the circular stairway.

The walls and halls are richly decorated, with marble embellishments and frescoes, including the distinctive painted Tower of the Mace (Turnul Buzdugan). The castle's design incorporates both Gothic and Renaissance elements, with later Baroque additions made during the 17th century.

Historically, Castelul Corvinilor was a strategic fortress in the defense against the Ottoman Empire and a political center where important meetings and events were held. It also served as a prison, with legends suggesting that Vlad the Impaler was once held captive within its walls.

The castle's name and emblem, a raven holding a golden ring, are tied to the Hunyadi family's legacy and legends surrounding their origins.

Today, the castle is a major cultural and tourist attraction, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. It has been restored and transformed into a museum, allowing visitors to explore its grand halls, towers, and courtyards while immersing themselves in the medieval history and legends of Transylvania.

To visit Corvin Castle, you can purchase tickets at the castle’s entrance, with an adult ticket costing around 31 to 36 lei. There are also reduced prices for students and pensioners, and small additional fees for special rooms or photography inside. The castle is generally open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with some variations depending on the day and season.

Additionally, visiting during the Medieval Festival “Ioan de Hunedoara,” held annually around late August and early September, offers a unique experience with medieval reenactments, music, workshops, and parades inside the castle, adding cultural richness to your visit.

Its dramatic architecture, historical depth, and picturesque setting make Castelul Corvinilor a must-visit landmark and one of Romania’s most impressive...

Corvin (Hunyadi, Hunedoara) Castle is one of the most important Gothic-Renaissance architectural monuments in Romania. It is considered one of the most beautiful castles in the world and can be found in "Top 10 fairy destinations in Europe." Hunedoara Castle is the largest medieval building dual functionality (civil and military) from Romania who is still "standing". Corvin Castle was built by John (Iancu) Huniady, prince of Transylvania and governor of Hungary. New construction realised in 1440-1446 includes the old fortress received as a gift from Sigismund, king of Hungary, by his father, Voicu, in 1409. Hunyadi builds a enclosure flanked by seven towers, mostly circular, more resistant to artillery strikes. Near New Gate Tower, on the west wing, built in the Gothic style is the Celebrations Palace having downstairs Knights Hall and upstairs the Diet Hall (name improperly because there never activated the Diet of Transylvania). The palace keeps and the Spiral Staircase leading to the the Diet Hall and to New Gate Tower rooms. Vis-a-vis of these was build the Chapel. Special mention deserves Neboisa Tower (Do Not Fear), outpost located outside the walls, linked through a covered gallery and heavily reinforced with artillery. His son, Matthias Corvinus, great king of Hungary, continues the works with Matthias wing, in north of the castle. We notice Loggia in Renaissance style, decorated with coats of arms and allegorical paintings (now vague recognizing the Legend of the Raven - Corvus, referring to the royal Hungarian lineage of the family Corvin), the Golden Room (Kings' bedroom) and Ladies Room. The castle is recognized as one of the most imposing buildings in Eastern Europe. In the seventeenth century, Gabriel Bethlen built the Bethlem Palace on the east wing (with a Gothic-style gallery). Bethlen strengthens the castle by building Artillery Terrace and the imposing White Tower, artillery, taking over the role of defensive Old Gate Tower. Finally, and the south side of the castle will be occupied by a palace namely Administrative Palace (or Zólyomi, named after the lord). With time the castle lost its military importance, being used in many other purposes. After a serious fire, the castle reached in an advanced state of decay, being renovated in the...

Corvin Castle, also known as Hunyadi Castle, is a hidden gem in Romania that exudes both grandeur and medieval charm. Nestled in the Transylvanian town of Hunedoara, this castle boasts a captivating blend of Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles. Despite its undeniable beauty and historical significance, Corvin Castle remains somewhat underrated on the global tourist map.

The castle's impressive exterior, with its tall towers, ornate detailing, and stone fortifications, paints a vivid picture of its medieval origins. The well-preserved interiors transport visitors to a bygone era, featuring lavish rooms adorned with intricate frescoes, wooden ceilings, and medieval artifacts. The drawbridge, the courtyard, and the eerie Torture Chamber add to the castle's aura of mystery and intrigue.

What makes Corvin Castle particularly special is its rich history intertwined with the legendary figure of John Hunyadi, a revered military leader. While other castles in Romania may garner more attention, Corvin Castle's slightly off-the-beaten-path location contributes to its sense of authenticity and a more intimate atmosphere for visitors.

The castle's underrated status means that it offers a quieter and more immersive experience compared to some of the more heavily trafficked tourist sites. Exploring Corvin Castle feels like discovering a hidden treasure, where you can take your time to appreciate the architecture, history, and the stories that echo within its walls.

For those seeking a unique and less crowded castle experience in Romania, Corvin Castle is a true gem waiting to be discovered. Its underrated status adds to its allure, making it a destination where history comes alive and where you can step back in time without the hustle and bustle of larger...