Corvin Castle

Castelul Corvinilor

A magnificent Gothic-Renaissance castle in Hunedoara, with soaring towers, a drawbridge and imposing halls that rank it among Europe's finest medieval fortresses. Its dramatic silhouette is a highlight for any castle enthusiast.

Things to do

• Cross the Drawbridge — Enter the castle over the wooden drawbridge spanning the Zlaști River, the iconic approach captured in countless photos.
• Knights' Hall — Admire the grand Gothic hall with its red marble columns and ribbed vaulting, once used for ceremonies and feasts.
• Diet Hall (Hall of the Diet) — View the frescoed hall with murals depicting the Hunyadi family and medieval scenes of governance.
• The Bear Pit — See the deep pit where legend says prisoners were once thrown to bears, a chilling stop on the tour.
• The Well of Legends — Peer into the 30-meter deep well said to have been dug by Turkish prisoners promised freedom for reaching water.
• Climb the Towers — Ascend the defensive towers including the Capistrano Tower for sweeping views over Hunedoara.
• Neboisa Tower Passage — Walk the covered wooden gallery linking the castle to the Neboisa (Do-Not-Fear) defensive tower.
• Explore the Chapel — Visit the Gothic castle chapel built during the reign of John Hunyadi in the 15th century.

Food to try

• Ciorbă de burtă — A sour tripe soup, a hearty Romanian classic often served with sour cream and hot peppers in nearby Hunedoara eateries.
• Sarmale — Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced pork and rice, traditionally paired with mămăligă (polenta).
• Mici (mititei) — Grilled skinless sausages of seasoned minced meat, a beloved Romanian street and terrace food.
• Papanași — Fried or boiled cheese doughnuts topped with sour cream and sweet berry jam, a favorite dessert.
• Țuică — A strong Romanian plum brandy often offered as a welcome drink, sipped before meals in Transylvania.
• Bulz — A shepherd's dish of polenta baked with sheep cheese, sometimes topped with a fried egg or bacon.

Local customs & good to know

• Buy tickets on-site or online — The castle is state-run and photography inside may incur a small extra fee, so check ticket options at entry.
• Allow for the industrial surroundings — The castle sits beside the remnants of Hunedoara's former steelworks, a striking contrast to its medieval beauty.
• Mind the legends — Guides recount stories of the raven with a gold ring (symbol of the Corvin family) and the tragic well diggers, central to local lore.
• Visit early or late — The castle draws crowds and film crews, so arriving at opening time gives you quieter halls and better photos.

Nearby

• Alba Iulia — 64 km
• Tismana Monastery (Oltenia) — 77 km
• Scărișoara Ice Cave (Crișana) — 83 km
• Târgu Jiu (Oltenia) — 84 km