Corvin Castle in Hunedoara – Visit the Transylvanian Fortress from Nosferatu

One of my favourite castles in the world is Corvin Castle in Hunedoara (Castelul Corvinilor).

This medieval Transylvanian fortress looks like it’s been plucked from the pages of a fairytale, but its history is very dark.

It’s also one of the most haunted places in all of Europe, filled with restless spirits seeking revenge for past transgressions. 

There is a legend that Vlad the Impaler was held prisoner here, also known as Count Dracula. 

As someone obsessed with vampires, I had such an enchanting time, as it was also a filming location for the recent adaptation of Nosferatu. 

You must add it to your travel bucket list. Here is how to visit Corvin Castle and things to see once you’re inside.   

Corvin Castle history

Corvin Castle is a Gothic-Renaissance fortress built in 1440 by the military leader John Hunyadi. 

It was built upon the foundations of a former Roman camp and later a 14th-century Anjou fortification gifted to his father, Voicu. 

Hunyadi transformed this ancestral territory into a family palace and imposing military stronghold. 

But it was his son, King Matthias Corvinus, who added the statement ornate Renaissance style and gave the castle its current name. 

The Bethlen family lived here in the 17th century and added more defensive towers. 

It suffered a devastating fire in 1854 and had to be significantly rebuilt. During the reconstruction, it was given a Neo-Gothic aesthetic. 

Vlad the Impaler at Corvin Castle

Corvin Castle is famous for a legend that says that Vlad the Impaler was imprisoned at Corvin’s Castle.

John Hunyadi invaded Wallachia and subsequently murdered Vlad’s father and eldest brother. 

He then captured Vlad Tepes III and held him hostage in Corvin Castle dungeons. 

This prison sentence supposedly drove Vlad insane due to triggering memories of an earlier imprisonment by the Ottomans. 

However, there are no records to prove any of this happened. It’s far more likely he was held at Hungary’s Visegrád Castle. 

It doesn’t stop people speculating, and this legend is thought to have helped inspire Bram Stoker’s Dracula. 

Stoker never explicitly named his inspiration for the Count’s castle. He didn’t even set foot in Romania. 

But many believe it’s Corvin’s Castle over the more popular theory of Bran Castle. 

Nosferatu filming location

It’s these legends of Dracula that caught the attention of the Nosferatu production crew. 

This Transylvanian fortress provided the imposing Gothic exteriors for Count Orlok’s lair in Robert Eggers’ 2024 adaptation.

The interiors were filmed in Pernštejn Castle and Rožmitál Castle in the Czech Republic. 

But the exterior towers seen on the horizon are undoubtedly those of Hunyadi Castle in Hunedoara.

I was utterly obsessed with that film noir and its haunting aesthetics, so it felt surreal to visit.

Is Corvin Castle haunted? 

Yes, Corvin Castle is allegedly one of the most haunted fortresses in all of Europe. The stories will send shivers down your spine. 

There is a legend that three Turkish prisoners were promised freedom for carving out a 100-foot well over 15 years.

When they were finally finished, their captors reneged on the deal, and they were sentenced to death. 

One of the prisoners left behind a haunting message carved into the prison wall: “You have water, but no soul”.

It is these restless spirits who are meant to haunt the castle due to the dishonour and betrayal.

There is also a legend that a monk was entombed alive in the Capistrano Tower as a punishment for eavesdropping. 

Paranormal investigators consistently report an oppressive presence with shadowy figures, cold spots and unearthly whispers.

Can you visit Corvin Castle in Romania?

Yes, you can visit Corvin Castle today, and it’s easily one of the country’s most famous attractions.

It is considered one of the Seven Wonders of Romania and is also one of the largest castles in all of Europe. 

In my opinion, it’s somewhere you cannot miss. It’s also nowhere near as crowded as Bran Castle, so it felt like a more authentic experience. 

If you love history, or tales of Dracula, you’ll be in your element exploring these hallowed halls. 

How to get to Corvin Castle

Corvin Castle is in Hunedoara, a remote area of Transylvania, and is roughly halfway between Sibiu and Timisoara.

The most convenient way to get there is to drive. It’s a 90-minute drive from Sibiu or a two-hour drive from Cluj-Napoca.

If you’re travelling by public transport, you can take a train from Sibiu to either Sebeș or Deva and then take a bus to Hunedoara.

Just make sure to plan your journey so you don’t end up stranded, as services are limited. 

You can book trains through the official Romanian train travel website, CFR Calatori. 

Why not book a guided tour? 

If you’d prefer, there are guided tours you can book. Here are some recommendations: 

Things to do in Corvin Castle

As Corvin Castle is one of the largest castles in Romania, there is lots to see inside. 

You’ll find royal bedrooms, ceremonial halls, art galleries, torture chambers, defensive towers and museum exhibits.

Here are all the things to do in Corvin Castle during your visit. 

1. Drawbridge over the Moat

The dramatic views you get of Corvin Castle from over the old moat are breathtaking.

It really emphasises the intimidating nature of this medieval military fortress with its set of giant defensive towers.

It makes for a captivating sight, and crossing the large wooden drawbridge is like a portal that transports you back in time. 

2. Castle Courtyard 

As soon as you cross the drawbridge, you’ll enter the castle through the central courtyard.

This area is huge and leads to several doorways to start your tour inside the castle.

I particularly loved the cloistered corridor, which takes you to Behlen Palace.

You get great views of this courtyard from the top of the Matia Wing, which is the start of the suggested tourist route.

3. Matia Wing & Castle Chapel

After you’ve explored the courtyard, head up the stairs to the Matia Wing, the official residence of King Matthias I Corvinus.

You’ll find the King’s Chamber with a four-poster bed, his garderobe and living quarters.

I particularly loved the Princess Chamber, where they had some gorgeous dresses on display. 

You can also look down into the Castle Chapel built in the 15th century. It has a single small nave with stained glass windows. 

It’s a good example of Transylvania’s complex religious history from Roman Catholicism to Protestantism, as there are elements of both.

4. Council Hall & Knights’ Hall

There are two large halls worth seeing in Corvin Castle, and these are the Council Hall and the Knights’ Hall.

You’ll find the Council Hall on the second floor. This is a large Gothic ceremonial room that was built in the 15th century.

It was used by John Hunyadi and King Matthias for official ceremonies, parliamentary meetings, judicial trials, banquets and noble gatherings.

The Knights’ Hall is another slightly smaller ceremonial chamber found on the ground floor. 

This room was reserved solely for war councils and to discuss military strategy. 

You’ll find several suits of armour on display along with coats of arms and weapons.

5. The Bethlen Palace

Gabriel Bethlen moved into Corvin Castle in the 17th century and made several renovations to this medieval fortress.

They upgraded the architecture with trends of the time period, and this residential wing is now called Bethlen Palace.

You can visit family living rooms in this area, including a large dining hall. 

The most famous feature is the long gallery staircase on the east side of the main courtyard lined with stained glass windows.

6. The Neboisa Gallery

A unique feature of Corvin Castle is the Nje Boisia Tower, which is a five-level defensive structure.

The name means “Do not be afraid” in Serbian, coined by a Serbian garrison member, and you can see many openings for firearms. 

You can explore this tower by walking down the Neboisa Gallery, a 100-foot-long suspended corridor built on large pillars.

This defensive tower is connected to the inner castle via a wooden bridge that would be set alight during an attack to limit further invasion. 

From the trellised windows, you get a perfect view of the surrounding countryside where soldiers would look out for any enemies. 

7. White Tower & Neo-Gothic Gallery 

One of the best places to appreciate the size of this castle is the White Tower. You can loop around this circular room with panoramic views.

Off the side, there is a large Neo-Gothic Gallery with historic and modern art pieces. There was even a resident artist drawing caricatures.

You’ll find the art on easels surrounding a large wooden council table. 

After this room, there are museum exhibits showcasing valuable items excavated over the centuries. There’s even a skeleton on display. 

8. Lapidarium & Deep Well 

I particularly enjoyed my visit to the Lapidarium, which is now home to archaeological excavations.

The castle suffered great damage over the centuries, but these remains are all the notable findings recovered from the rubble. 

Here you can find a slab with the famous “you have water but no soul” message about the haunted prison well just outside. 

There is also the famous raven sigil of the House of Hunyadi on a stone coat of arms. The name Corvinus stems from corvus, meaning crow in Latin. 

Legend says that King Sigismund of Luxembourg gave John Hunyadi a golden ring from a felled raven to prove his royal blood.

It then became the family crest and continued with the reign of King Matthias I Corvinus.

9. Fortified Towers & Panoramic Views

7 major fortified towers make up this Gothic fortress, which were used for defence, living quarters and a prison.

The most famous is the Capistrano Tower at the front, the rectangular defence tower with a pointed chimney. 

Supposedly, a monk was caught eavesdropping and was entombed in its thick walls.

There is also the Neboisa Tower, White Tower, Artillery Tower, Drummer’s Tower, Deserted/Solitary Tower and Gate Towers.

You can explore many of these during a visit, and each provides panoramic views over the castle and countryside. 

10. Torture Chamber

Before you leave Corvin Castle, don’t forget to visit the dank torture chamber found underground.

They do have warning signs, as it is a pretty gruesome display, but I knew I couldn’t miss it.

The tales of these prisons are legendary, supposedly holding famous captives like Vlad the Impaler. 

You’ll find several cages, torture equipment, and models showcasing their grisly fate. It’s not for the faint of heart. 

Where to eat in Corvin Castle? 

There isn’t anywhere to eat inside Corvin Castle; there’s no tea room or restaurant. 

But there are plenty of fast food stalls outside the entrance along with some souvenir shops.

If you’re looking for somewhere scenic to sit down, I recommend heading to Eden by Werk, directly opposite the castle on the hillside.

They have a bistro serving coffees, teas and alcoholic drinks throughout the day as well as a restaurant with a delectable menu for lunch or dinner.

I firstly enjoyed an iced coffee and later ordered one of their seafood pasta dishes for an early dinner. 

I had an outside table with prime views over the fortress, so I couldn’t resist dining with this fairytale backdrop. 

Eden by Werk is the perfect place for refreshment before or after exploring Corvin Castle. They also have panoramic balconies to take photos. 

Is Corvin Castle worth visiting?

Yes, Corvin Castle is well worth visiting in Romania. It’s now one of my favourite castles I’ve ever visited, brimming with dark history. 

As a Spooky girl obsessed with vampires, seeing the legendary prison of Vlad the Impaler was fascinating.

It was also a dream come true to visit the Nosferatu film location of Count Orlok’s Castle.

It was a long journey by public transport, but this legendary fortress was worth the trip.

Don’t skip Corvin’s Castle in Romania; it makes for an enchanting day out in Transylvania. 

Opening hours & entry fees

Corvin Castle is typically open from:

• April to September: 9 am to 8 pm
• October to March: 9 am to 5 pm

But note that on Mondays the castle opens at 12 pm all year round.

Ticket prices are 55 RON or €11 / £9.50, and you can buy these on the day. 

I would avoid buying tickets online, as dishonest third-party companies majorly overcharge. 

How long do you need to visit?

I would recommend around 2-3 hours to visit Corvin Castle; there is plenty to see on a self-guided tour.

There’s an audio guide to follow on your phone, and I spent hours admiring the views from the tall towers. 

It was a very warm day in Romania, and the castle chambers were so refreshingly cool. I didn’t want to leave. 

I ended up spending most of the day here as the journey by public transport was lengthy. 

Important tips 

• Corvin Castle is in a remote area of Transylvania. If you’re not driving, plan your journey via public transport ahead of time.

• Wear a comfortable pair of shoes as the castle has lots of stairs and uneven ground. 

• Cash is still very much king in Romania, so have some spare to pay for souvenirs and food stalls surrounding the entrance. 

Where to stay in Hunedaora 

There are a handful of places to spend the night in Hunedaora, but I recommend booking Werk Hotel & Spa.

It’s a luxurious property that has rooms with panoramic views overlooking Corvin’s Castle. 

I’m sure waking up to that whimsical scene will feel like you’re in a fairytale. 

I kind of regret not staying the night here on my trip. It would have been such a dream to visit this castle in the evening.

Discover Dracula in Transylvania 

Yes, Transylvania is a real place in Romania and my favourite area of this incredible country. 

You can follow in the footsteps of Dracula by visiting his birthplace in Sighișoara. It’s one of the most colourful and charming towns in Europe. 

You can also visit Sibiu, where he discussed trade and politics. Some say he’s secretly buried there.

You could also visit Vlad’s Imperial Court of Curtea Veche (Old Princely Court) in Bucharest.

If you only visit one attraction in Romania of Vlad the Impaler, make that Bran Castle.

This is known as Dracula’s Castle, and it is thought to be the legendary location featured in Bram Stoker’s classic novel.

Read more of my Romania guides

The best things to do in Brasov 

How to Visit Nevermore Academy from Wednesday

How to visit the Brasov Hollywood Sign

A complete guide for Rope Street 

Is Thermae Bucharest worth the hype?

Is Caturesti Carusel the prettiest bookshop in Romania?

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