Corvin's Castle
– A fairytale Castle in modern times-

Corvin's Castle

Ripped as if from a fairy tale, Corvin’s Castle also known as “Hunyadi Castle”, is one of the most precious monuments of medieval art in Romania, mixing the Gothic style with Renaissance and Baroque. The castle lays on a rock around which flows the small river of Zlasti, and has an impressive draw bridge from which at any moment you expect a prince in shining armor to rush off the big gates.

The high and colored roofs, countless towers, windows and balconies, a number of interior courts and the two large halls, "Knights Hall" and "Diet Hall" which housed the diet of Transylvania for a short period of time having on the walls painted medallions, among them the portraits of Matei Basarab, ruler of Wallachia, and Vasile Lupu, ruler of Moldavia, add to the magic of the place.

Built in the 14th century, the castle’s history is mostly related to the Hunyadi family, being the place where Iancu de Hunedoara spent his childhood. During his ruling the castle suffered a series of transformations, from a sumptuous home into a strategically enforced point. With the passing of the years, the masters of the castle modified its look, adding towers, halls and guest rooms.

Some of the most significant parts of the castle, unchanged from Iancu de Hunedoara’s time are the Capistrano Tower, named after the famous monk from the castle court, as well the gallery and the donjon, the last defense tower.

Corvin’s Castle however has more outstanding things to offer to his visitors, such as the White bastion which served as a food storage room, the 30 meter deep well which has a very interesting legend tied to its existence, and the chapel, one of the representative parts of the 15 century, being a mixture of Roman style and late Gothic.

In the wing of the castle called the Mantle a painting tells a story regarding the legend of the raven from which came the name of the descendants of Iancu de Hunedoara: Corvini ("corb” meaning raven in English).

Vlad Dracul, the ruler of Wallachia, father of the notorious Vlad Dracula spent some time in this castle while he was imprisoned here, as he had fallen into disgrace with Hunyadi, not providing the help promised in the battle against the Ottomans. The famous Vlad Dracula (known as Vlad Tepes and Dracula) who had once been traded as a hostage to the Ottomans by his own father later became a protégé of Hunyadi and took over Wallachia shortly before his mentor's death.

After a series of fires, the last fire in 1854 having destroyed the whole wooden structure of the castle, Corvin’s castle was restored, in 1974 being transformed into a museum. Today some of the chambers are used for various exhibits, as well for souvenir shops, one of them offering unique hand painted objects created by a ceramic and glass artist. If you are lucky, the Knight’s Hall hosts an artist which fills this magical castle with echoed tunes played at the xylophone.

Legends

In the yard of the castle, near the chapel built also during Iancu de Hunerdoara's ruling, there is a well 30 meters deep. The legend says that this fountain was dug by three Turkish prisoners, to whom their liberty was promised if they reach water. After 15 years, when they have finished the well, the masters did not keep their promise. It says that the inscription from the wall of the well means "you have water, but not soul".

Visiting the Castle

Only the first floor of the Peles Castle can be visited, due to the high number of visitors. Each year in November the castle is closed to the public for the whole month. The visiting hours are subject to change due to the tourist seasons.

Visiting Hours:

From March 1st to 30 April: Monday: 09:00 - 15:00; Tuesday - Sunday: 09:00 - 17:00.
From May 1st to September 1st: Monday: 09:00 - 15:00; Tuesday - Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00.
From September 30 to February 28: Monday: 09:00 - 15:00; Tuesday - Sunday: 09:00 - 16:00.

Entrance Fees:

Adults: 4 RON
Students: 2 RON
Photo: 5 RON
Video: 10 RON