Corvin Castle
History
The history of Hunyad Castle dates back to 1409, when Sigismund of Luxembourg granted the Hunyad estate to Vajk, the father of John Hunyadi. The family soon began constructing the first version of the castle, initially a modest stronghold. Under John Hunyadi’s rule, the fortress was significantly expanded and transformed into an imposing Gothic-style knight’s castle. During his governance, his wife, Elizabeth Szilágyi, resided in the castle, which became a center of power.
Over the following centuries, the castle underwent major transformations. In the early 17th century, Gabriel Bethlen reinforced the outer fortifications, while Catherine Bethlen, widow of David Zólyomi, carried out further modifications in the mid-1600s. These changes shaped much of the structure we see today.
Later, the castle served various purposes. In 1725, it housed treasury offices, and in 1784, it briefly functioned as a refuge for local nobility during the Horea Uprising. In the early 19th century, Emperor Francis I ordered renovations, but in 1818, a lightning strike triggered a fire that halted the reconstruction efforts. Another devastating fire in 1854 further damaged the structure.
Efforts to restore the castle began in 1868 through a public fundraising campaign. The restoration was initially led by Ferenc Schulcz, followed by Imre Steindl, who sought to unify the castle’s style into a coherent Gothic vision. The process lasted for decades, with significant alterations made to the original structure. Later, István Möller played a key role in further restorations between 1907 and 1913.
Today, Hunyad Castle is a major tourist attraction, open to visitors for an entrance fee. Its interiors host historical, archaeological, and ethnographic exhibitions, offering insights into the region’s past.Style
Hunyad Castle showcases a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Neo-Gothic architectural elements due to multiple renovations and expansions. Originally a medieval fortress, it was transformed into a Gothic-style knight’s castle under John Hunyadi in the 15th century. The structure underwent further modifications in the 17th century under Gabriel Bethlen and Catherine Bethlen, who reinforced its fortifications and altered various sections.
In the 19th century, a major restoration project was initiated, during which Ferenc Schulcz and later Imre Steindl aimed to reshape the castle in a consistent Gothic revival style. Many elements were reconstructed or replaced to align with this vision, including the distinctive steep roofs and architectural details seen today. István Möller later contributed to the scientific restoration of the structure in the early 20th century.
Notable features of the castle include the Knight’s Hall, the Chapel, the Buzogány Tower, and the Mátyás Loggia, the latter being one of the earliest surviving Renaissance-style architectural elements in Transylvania.Present day
As of 2024, Hunyad Castle (Corvin Castle) remains one of Romania's most significant cultural and historical landmarks. It has undergone meticulous restoration efforts to preserve its architectural integrity and historical significance. In 2023, the castle welcomed approximately 392,000 visitors, solidifying its status as a major tourist attraction.
Today, the castle functions as a museum, allowing visitors to explore its many rooms, halls, and towers. Many of these spaces feature original or period-accurate furniture, weapons, and artwork, offering an authentic glimpse into 15th-century Transylvania. Notable features include the large drawbridge, the grand entrance gate, the Knights' Hall, the Diet Hall, and the Capistrano Tower, each showcasing different aspects of the castle’s historical and architectural legacy.
Beyond tourism, Hunyad Castle has gained international recognition as a filming location. The castle’s striking Gothic appearance has made it a popular setting for movies, including The Nun (2018) and the 2024 Nosferatu remake. Its dramatic and cinematic appeal continues to draw filmmakers from around the world.
Open year-round, the castle attracts both history enthusiasts and casual travelers, cementing its place as one of Transylvania’s most iconic landmarks.
