Corvinilor Castle (also known as Hunyady Castle, Castelul Corivinilor, Hunedoara Castle, or Corvin Castle) is an imposing sight. Restored and cared for, it stands in the city of Hunedoara, ready to share its secrets to any traveler that crosses its gate.

How to get to the Corvinilor Castle:

It’s easiest to rent a car from the airport (i.e. maybe you landed in Timisoara) and then follow the signs to Hunedoara. Once in the city, there are signs pointing to the castle (and they are NOT confusing).

If you travel by public / private transportation, take the train/bus to Deva. Then there are minibusses to Hunedoara. Once in the city, it’s easy to just follow the signs to the castle.

Best time to visit Corvinilor Castle

I am tempted to say low season because the castle was pretty crowded in March as well. I don’t want to know how crowded it is in July and August. So, if you can come here during winter, spring or late fall, it’s certainly best. It’s cold inside though, so wear a jacket!

The first stone fortification in the area dates from the XIVth century, although some historians say it’s actually XVth century. What is known though is that Iancu Hunyad (Iancu de Hunedoara, Romanian) started transforming the fortification into a Castle in the XVth century.

The castle per se comprises: Sala Dietei (a place where various feasts and events were held), Sala Cavalerilor (Knights Room) and an interesting stare-case (which is off limits to the public). Iancu added some interesting towers and they are still standing! In one of the there’s a fire-place made of marble – the only one still standing in the entire castle.

Other interesting parts of the castle include the gallows and the torture room (I have a thing for torturing devices, oops). I loved the basilica, too, and the fountain – together with its legend.

You can walk on part of the walls and the views are fantastic – if you refuse to look at the industrial crap (abandoned now and a legacy from the communist years).

Restorations have been done in the XIX th century to “make the castle look more beautiful” but I think it only took away some of the charm. Still, it’s not that bad or that obvious unless you know what to look for.

Since I’ve been fascinated by castles for a long time, the experience was nice and unique. And as usual, I came back home with a fridge magnet! I loved it that I could get souvenirs from within the castle. There are rooms with exhibits and in some of them, it’s also possible to buy souvenirs. No one is aggressively selling anything though.

I recommend the castle to anyone. The terror room is not a place for children (16+) but otherwise, there aren’t any issues to deal with. Plus everything is really easily accessible. And did you that Corvinilor Castle is one of the hidden gems in Europe?

Opening hours and tickets

Opening hours (Oct 1, 2020 – Mar 31, 2021):
Monday 12 pm – 5 pm *
Tuesday – Sunday 9 am – 5 pm *

*last entry 45 min before closing time

Adults – 35 Lei
Students – 7 Lei
Photo fee – 5 Lei (ONLY for cameras)

All photos by Alex P. and Cristina P.

Note: the article was originally written and publish in Mar 2013. Entrace fee has been updated as of Jun 2018.