photo:artline.ro
This old, massive fortress in Hunedoara became later one of the most important medieval castles in Transylvania, owned by Ioan of Hunedoara, a major political and military leader of those times. It is an interesting castle due to it's legend, the mixing of several distinct construction styles - which led to an original final architecture - and the role that it played in the history of the region. For those who want to visit a Middle Age castle in Eastern Europe, the Corvins' Castle might be the best choice.
Built in the 14th century, on the place of a much older fortification, the castle was meant to be one of the strongest in the contry, and in the end was an impressive structure, with tall roofs, several large towers and fortifications, windows and balconies decorated with complicated stone sculptures. It is said that in those times this castle was considered to be impossible to be conquered by any army in the world, and that might very well be true, due to the strenght of the walls and the perfect strategic position.
In those times, it was one of the most important properties of Ioan of Hunedoara, also known by European historians as Johannes de Hunyad, who owned the castle from 1419 to 1456. One of the greatest leaders of those time, he entered the service of Sigismund of Luxemburg, was Ban of Severin and later became the Governor of Transylvania, maybe the greatest distinction one could have. A fierce enemy of the Turkish armies and empire, he fought several times against the Ottoman forces, the longest campaign being in 1443 - 1444. In 1446, after King Vladislav had perished in battle, Ioan of Hunedoara became the Governor of Hungary, and in 1456 would have one of his greatest victories against the Turks. Fighting at Belgrad against Muhammad the 2nd, he managed to defeat him and stall the campaign for conquering Europe. Unfortunatelly, soon after this astounding triumph, Ioan of Hunedoara died of plague. After his passing, the castle in Hunedoara would be owned by several kings, princes, governors and so on, among these being the son of Ioan of Hunedoara, Ladislau, and Matthew Corvin, king of Hungary, of Romanian origin, as he was also the son of Ioan.
Over the course of it's history the Corvin's Castle in Hunedoara was renovated, reconstructed and extended several times, and it is these transformations that gave it today's charm and importance. Not only a strategic well-defended place, but also an impressive living space, it had several towers, halls, hallways, cellars, depots. The dungeon and the gallery date from the time of Ioan of Hunedoara, still standing and still breathtaking. Another important part of the construction is the Capistrano Tower, as well as the Knight's Hall, the place were nobles gathered to talk, plan new military actions or simply relax.
Other important elements of the structure are the White Bastion, a hall where several portraits of lords from Transylvania and the rest of Romania provinces. There is also an interesting museum of medieval art, documents and weapons.
2008-04-04
