Corvin Castle (Castelul Corvinilor) in Romania 2024-2025

One of Europe’s largest castles is located in Romanian Transylvania

Best time: all year round

Corvin Castle is on a list of the seven wonders of Romania. Built in 1446 in Renaissance-Gothic style, it looks like something straight out of a fairytale. The castle was founded by the Hungarian military leader of Romanian descent John Hunyadi. The structure that was in place of Corvin Castle was initially given to John Hunyadi's father, Voyk by Sigismund, king of Hungary. After John Hunyadi died, the castle became neglected.

The castle is located atop a rocky hill with bridge access. It contains three large areas: the Knight’s Hall used for feasts, the Diet Hall used for receptions, and the stairway. Circular and rectangular towers were constructed for military purposes. Some of them though served as prisons. In the 17th century, the castle underwent reconstruction work and some redesign. New parts were added—the Large Palace, the White Tower, and the Artillery Tower.

According to one legend, famous Vlad the Impaler (Dracula) spent seven years in the towers of Corvin Castle and went crazy. The castle has been featured in many movies and TV programmes as well as in the video game Age of Empires II HD The Forgotten.

The Castle is open daily, but the opening hours depend on the season. Also, the ticket prices vary from 20 lei in winter to 30 lei in summer.