Castelul Corvinilor, also known as Corvin Castle, is a medieval gem nestled in the heart of Transylvania, Romania. This imposing fortress, with its Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements, is perched majestically on a rocky outcrop, creating a captivating silhouette against the Carpathian Mountains backdrop.
Corvin Castle: The Gothic Masterpiece of Transylvania
A fairytale castle for some, a Gothic masterpiece for others, and a setting for famous Hollywood movies, Corvin Castle is the most beautiful castle in Transylvania. It’s also the most famous attraction in the mountainous Hunedoara County, along with Retezat National Park.
The castle of Ioan of Hunedoara
The story of this imposing medieval castle is, at least, in the 15th century, the story of Transylvania’s greatest prince, Ioan of Hunedoara. Born into a Romanian family, Ioan of Hunedoara succeeded in reaching the highest military and administrative ranks in the Hungarian Kingdom. He was a regent of Hungary between 1446 and 1452 and the ruling prince of Transylvania between 1441 and 1456.
A brilliant military leader with high political ambitions, Ioan of Hunedoara won some of the most important battles against the Ottoman Empire. He stopped, at least for a few decades, the Turkish plans to advance to Central Europe. He died in 1456, only a few days after obtaining the most important victory of the time against the Ottomans at Belgrad.
Coat of arms, Ioan of Hunedoara
Corvin Castle over the centuries
The construction and expansion of the castle took place in several phases starting with 1440 when Ioan of Hunedoara considerably enlarged the existing fortress. The castle was a silent witness not only of his accomplishments but also of his ambitions, becoming, until the death of its owner, one of the finest in Europe of the time.
In the first stage, the old fortification had two strong curtain walls and rectangular and circular towers. Most of them — the Old and the New Gate Towers, Capistrano Tower, and the Painted Tower — stand until today. A second stage began after Ioan of Hunedoara became the regent of Hungary. The Knights’ Hall and the Council’s Hall are the masterpieces of the time, both of them unique in Transylvania.
After his death, his son, Matia Corvin, the greatest king of Hungary, continued the expansion of the castle. He added the loggia Matia which still conserves the only secular painting from Transylvania’s 15th century.
Corvin Castle
Prince Gabriel Bethlen modernized the castle for artillery fights in the 17th century. However, Corvin Castle gradually lost its importance and was later abandoned. Ample restorations started only two centuries later, but the process was long and challenging, often destroying more than repairing. Only in the 20th century, the castle regained its original look.
The castle is today one of the best places to see in Transylvania. Its story takes you from the Renaissance and Gothic years to the 19th century, guiding you through a past of great military victories.
