Hunedoara Castle, also known as Corvin or Hunyadi Castle, is one of Romania’s finest medieval buildings. With its spiked roof and imposing towers, the castle is extremely photogenic and has been used as a setting for movies including Fright Night and Ghost Rider 2. Tour the castle’s rooms and halls and venture into its macabre torture chamber.
Initially constructed in the 14th or 15th century, the castle was rebuilt in the mid-1400s by Hungarian military leader Iancu de Hunedoara. His son, Matthias Corvinus, later built the castle’s Renaissance-style wing. Gabriel Bethlen made several Baroque additions in the 17th century. Approach the castle by crossing the narrow bridge stretching across its deep moat.
Head to Knights’ Hall, which features an interesting collection of waxworks and weaponry, as well as portraits of the Bethlen family and a bust of Iancu de Hunedoara. Examine the hall’s striking marble pillars. On the second pillar, find the Latin inscription reading “this work has been performed by the great and handsome Iancu de Hunedoara in God’s year 1452.”
Descend into the dungeon beneath Knights’ Hall, where the Prince of Wallachia, Vlad Tepes, was supposedly held captive for several months to 7 years. According to legend, Tepes became insane during this long imprisonment, resulting in the legendary cruelty that later made him the inspiration for the titular character in Bram Stoker’s Dracula. In the torture hall, see mannequins positioned in medieval torture devices.
Enjoy picturesque views over the city from the castle’s artillery platform. Outside the castle is a bear pit, where prisoners were once fed to hungry bears. The deep courtyard well was dug by three Turkish prisoners over a 15-year imprisonment.
The castle is located in the city of Hunedoara. To get here, walk 1 mile (2 kilometres) southwest of the city’s bus station. If arriving by car, use the small parking lot in front of the castle. An admission fee is charged.
Check the official Corvin Castle website to time your visit to coincide with the castle’s medieval reenactments or opera nights. Experience a day of history and horror at this intriguing castle.
