Corvin Castle – an Inspiration for Dracula

Corvin Castle, also known as the Hunyadi Castle – is located in Hunedoara county in Romania.

It is considered to be one of the “seven wonders of Romania” and it is one of the largest castles in all of Europe. The castle is a key location in Romanian history and it is the largest medieval castle in all of Transylvania.

It’s larger than the Bran Castle and even the royal Peles Castle.

Corvin Castle has had a huge impact on popular culture.

It’s been an inspiration for many, including Bram Stoker – author of “Dracula”. The name for the castle comes from the name of John Hunyadi, the man who ordered the construction of the caste, and his son Matthias Corvinus who reigned as the King of Hungary between 1458 and 1490.

The Corvin family had a massive impact on Europe during the 15^th century with John Hunyadi (known by the name of Iancu de Hunedoara) famously preventing the Ottoman Empire from conquering Belgrade and advancing into Western Europe.

The Corvin family is closely related to the family of Vlad the Impaler, but the story of the Corvin’s is filled with betrayal and conspiracy.

John Hunyadi organized, joined, and supported many campaigns against the Ottoman Empire who were supported by Vlad II Dracul, the Prince of Wallachia. Vlad II is not to be confused with Vlad III – better known as Vlad Dracula or Vlad the Impaler. The battles against the Ottoman empire started in 1438 after the Ottomans managed to occupy a large part of Serbia.

Hunyadi was among a handful of nobles who organized raids against the empire and managed to even defeat them in small skirmishes, adding to his fame. King Albert appointed Iancu de Hunedoara and his brother as Bans of Severin, naming the pair “True barons of the realm”.

Hunyadi worked with Nicholaus Újlaki to defeat the opponents of King Vladislaus in 1441. The king appointed them as Voivodes of Transylvania and Counts of the Széklys for their efforts. In his later life, he supported Vlad the Impaler in his efforts to seize the Wallachian throne from Vladislav II and become the Prince of Wallachia.

The construction of Hunyadi Castle began in 1440

It was originally designed to be a defense prison and a prison. The towers of the castle regularly played host to criminals and war prisoners. There was a bear pit inside the castle where prisoners were thrown to their death to be mauled by wild animals in a brutal execution method.

The castle is built in the Renaissance-Gothic style. The foundations of the castle were built on top of an older fortification on a cliff overlooking the Zlasti River. Several additions were made to the castle over the years, particularly in the 17^th century.

Corvin Castle is split into three main areas: the Knight’s Hall where feasts were held, the Diet Hall were ceremonies were held, and the circular stairway. The halls of the castle all of a rectangular shape with beautiful marble walls.

Unlike Bran Castle, which is believed to be a haunted castle, Corvin is a more welcoming location.

Today, the place receives hundreds of tourists per day, many of whom don’t even know that they are walking the same hallways as one of the most important and influential rulers of Medieval Europe.

The Castle has appeared all over popular culture. It was used in the Underworld movies which were inspired by Dracula. It’s also been a part of several TV shows and video games, including Most Haunted Live!, Age of Empires II HD The Forgotten, and Dragonheart: Battle of the Heartfire.

The Hunyadi Castle, as well as the Poenari Castle and other Romanian medieval castles, are also said to be the main inspirations for the Bram Stoker novel “Dracula”.

Hotels Near Corvin Castle – Where to Stay

If you’re looking for a place to stay near the Hunyadi Castle, there’s plenty to choose from. And don’t be scared, prices are usually ridiculously low anytime of the year. Take a look at the map below and find something you fancy!

Booking.com

So, if you’re a fan of castles and medieval towns, be sure not to miss this precious gem!