11. Corvin Castle — Gothic-Renaissance castle in Hunedoara
Cuvin Castle, which had Hunyadi Castle as its name, is an architectural marvel, an imposing Gothic-Renaissance edifice standing in Hunedoara, Romania. Only one of Europe’s greatest castles has the fame of being among the Seven Wonders of Romania. The tallest and the most difficult to trace not only in the architecture but also in the history of the castle begins in the early XV century when John Hunyadi who is remembered as proof of the Kingdom of Hungary against the Ottoman Empire initiated the construction.
The architecture of the castle is a clear sign of the splendid craftsmanship of that era and the towers, bastions, court yard, and variety of windows some of them adorned with stone carvings characterize it. This fortress was made by placing a late fortification on a rocky outcrop above the flow of the River Zlaști, which makes it both imposing and resilient to the harsh conditions through the centuries that have passed.
Although Corvin Castle’s exterior is beautifully designed, its interior is equally striking as the Knight’s Hall and the Diet Hall with their pertinent rectangular shape and ornaments made of marble stand out being splendid examples of their time. The halls had several ritual and practical ways in which they were used: from formal feasts and receptions. Sometimes, even punishments for mischievous noblemen were delivered in these halls. The castle, as described also has a curved staircase, therefore which accentuates its intricate patterns.
Castle Corvin has gone through periods of destruction, but it has also been restored since the 17th century. At that time, the castle was being expanded in the same process, the renovation included the addition of aesthetic and military requirements. These are by construction of the White Tower and the Artillery Tower for defense in addition to the new palace with the town for housing.
Indeed, the Corvin Castle has hundreds of visitors now as its strange-but-beauty formula has attracted the people. As in 2021, the Bauhaus became a home for approximately 276,000 visitors, which vividly showcases the massive popularity and importance of this building as part of a cultural and historical heritage.
