Corvin Castle
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Corvin Castle | |
---|---|
Castelul Corvinilor, Vajdahunyadi vár | |
Hunedoara in Romania | |
Coordinates | 45°44′57″N 22°53′18″E / 45.74917°N 22.88833°E |
Type | Castle |
Site information | |
Owner | Ministry of Culture Notable owners
|
Open to the public | 12pm to 8pm on Mondays and 9am-8pm on Tuesdays-Sundays |
Condition | Renovated |
Website | Official website |
Site history | |
Built | 15th century (royal castra) 1440–46 (first phase) 1458–80 (second phase) 17th century (third phase) 19th century (fourth phase) |
Corvin Castle, also known as Hunyadi Castle or Hunedoara Castle (Romanian: Castelul Huniazilor or Castelul Corvinilor; Hungarian: Vajdahunyadi vár), is a Gothic-Renaissance castle in Hunedoara, Romania. It is considered one of the largest castles in Europe and is featured as one of the Seven Wonders of Romania.[1][2][3]
History
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Corvin Castle was laid out in 1446, when construction began by order of
The castle has three large areas: the Knight's Hall, the Diet Hall and the circular stairway. The halls are rectangular in shape and are decorated with marble. The Diet Hall was used for ceremonies or formal receptions whilst the Knight's Hall was used for feasts. In 1456, John Hunyadi died and work on the castle stagnated. Starting with 1458, new commissions were being undergone to construct the Matia Wing of the castle. In 1480, work was completely stopped on the castle and it was recognised as being one of the biggest and most impressive buildings in Eastern Europe.
The 16th century did not bring any improvements to the castle, but during the 17th century new additions were made for aesthetic and military purposes. Aesthetically, the large new palace was built facing the town. A two-level building, it hosted living chambers and a large living area. For military purposes, two new towers were constructed: the White Tower and the Artillery Tower. Also, the external yard was added for administration and storage.
The current castle is the result of a fanciful restoration campaign undertaken after a disastrous fire and many decades of total neglect. Some considered that modern "architects projected to it their own wistful interpretations of how a great Gothic castle should look".[5] In 2021 Corvin Castle attracted around 276,000 tourists.[6]
Structure
This section possibly contains original research. (January 2023) |
Built in a
As one of the most important properties of John Hunyadi, the castle was transformed during his reign. It became a sumptuous home, not only a strategically enforced point. With the passing of the years, the masters of the castle had modified its look, adding towers, halls and guest rooms. The gallery and the
Legacy
This section possibly contains original research. (July 2020) |
In the castle yard, near the 15th-century chapel, there is a 30-metre deep (98 ft) well. According to the legend, this fountain was dug by 3 Turkish prisoners to whom liberty was promised if they reached water. After 15 years they completed the well, but their captors did not keep their promise. It is said that the inscription on a wall of the well means "you have water, but not soul". Specialists, however, have translated the inscription as "he who wrote this inscription is Hasan, who lives as slave of the giaours, in the fortress near the church".[citation needed]
A replica of the castle, built in the late 19th century, can be found in Budapest, Hungary.
The final action sequence of the 2015 Bollywood movie
In 2018, the castle was used as the "Cârța Monastery" in the horror movie The Nun.[10][11]
See also
- Tourism in Romania
- List of castles in Romania
- Seven Wonders of Romania
- Villages with fortified churches in Transylvania
References
- ^ Popescu, Adam (September 18, 2007). "Iata cele 7 minuni ale Romaniei!". Evenimentul Zilei.
- ^ "Cele 7 minuni ale Romaniei – la final !". July 20, 2012.
- ^ "Seven Wonders of Romania – Seven Wonders".
- ^ Peter F. Sugar, Péter Hanák, Tibor Frank: A History of Hungary, Indiana University Press, 1994 [1]
- ISBN 978-0-7112-2781-1. Page 81.
- ^ "Romania's Corvin Castle hosts European Fair of Castles this month". Romania Insider. 2022-05-19. Retrieved 2022-11-26.
- ^ "Corvin Castle". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved 2020-10-30.
- ^ See Hans Corneel de Roos, The Ultimate Dracula, Moonlake Editions, Munich, 2012.
- Times of India. The Times Group. Archivedfrom the original on 15 May 2015.
- ^ Vance, Kelly (4 September 2018). "'The Nun' Is the Worst Fright Flick of the Season". East Bay Express. Metro Newspapers. Archived from the original on 8 September 2018.
- ^ Righetti, Jamie (5 September 2018). "'The Nun' Review: 'Conjuring' Prequel Delivers Evil Mythology, but Not Enough Scares". IndieWire. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on 6 September 2018.