Raven-black turrets pierce the sky above the Transylvanian forest. Corvin Castle does not sit gently on the landscape; it erupts from it, all pointed arches and sheer stone walls and a drawbridge that groans under every footstep. A deep well sits in the courtyard, and local guides tell stories of prisoners who carved their way to freedom over years of labor. The halls are cold even in summer, and the light filters through narrow windows in dusty beams. You can feel the weight of centuries in the stone floors. This is a castle built for defense, for drama, for stories that refuse to fade.
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When you are going to Romania, in its part called Transylvania you can find a city of Hunedoara. This small, but nasty and dirty city would not be worth attention, if it would not boast one of the most enchanting Gothic castles in Europe, Huniad Castle, known also as Corvin Castle. The castle is surrounded by the steep ravines and deep moat. Therefore you have to pass through the narrow, long bridge when visiting it.
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\nPhoto licensed under the Creative Commons, created by ocegep
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The building is really monumental, and if you are disappointed by haunted Dracula castle Bran, be sure to set off in Hunedoara.
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A History Carved in Stone
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The fortress was founded here in the 13th century and up to 17th century was reconstructed and modified. At first in the 14th century by its owner, a general and Regent-Governor of the Kingdom of Hungary, John Hunyadi, and later in the 15th century by his son, Matthias Corvinus. Further alterations were no such significant. Inside the castle is a museum where you can find more information about the history of the castle. John Hunyadi was one of the most powerful nobles in Hungarian history, renowned for his military campaigns against the Ottoman Empire. He transformed the original fortress into a lavish Gothic residence, adding the Knight Hall, the Diet Hall, and the winding loggia that connects the wings. The castle covers an area of 7,000 square metres and is one of the largest castles in Europe. Its defensive system includes twin towers, a drawbridge that spans the moat, and walls that are up to four metres thick in places. The well in the courtyard is said to have been dug by three Turkish prisoners over a period of 15 years, who were promised freedom upon completion. According to legend, the captors kept their word and released the men, but the story has taken on many variations over the centuries. The castle also features a chapel, a torture chamber, and a bear pit that was used for entertainment until the early 20th century.
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\nPhoto licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Cernavoda
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Visiting Hunedoara and the Castle Today
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There is no railway in Hunedoara, but you can take a bus from the nearby Deva. As I wrote, Hunedoara is a relatively small city, so finding the castle would not be a problem. You can go from the bus station along the main street up to the dirty river, go over bridge and you should see the towers of the castle. Corvin Castle is open every day but the opening hours vary depending on the season. Basic admission is 10 Ron (approximately 2.30 euros). Guided tours in English and Romanian are available on request and are highly recommended to fully appreciate the complex history of the site. The castle has appeared in numerous films and television productions due to its dramatic appearance, including the Ghost Rider movie and various vampire-themed documentaries. The castle courtyard hosts medieval festivals during summer weekends, with jousting tournaments, traditional crafts, and period music that bring the 15th century back to life. Local guides tell colourful stories about Vlad the Impaler, who is said to have been imprisoned here for seven years after being captured by John Hunyadi. weather the story is true or not, it adds to the atmosphere of intrigue that surrounds this remarkable fortress. The nearby Corvin Castle winery produces local wines that can be sampled in Hunedoara restaurants, and the town itself has several affordable guesthouses that cater to the steady stream of visitors who come to see one of the most beautiful Gothic castles in Eastern Europe.
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View Huniad-Corvin Castle – one of the most enchanting Gothic castles in Europe Romania in a larger map
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Would you spend a night alone in a Transylvanian castle with a well dug by prisoners? 🏰
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Explore more Romania travel guides.
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