Another Romanian Castle: Castelul Corvinilor

I am not a castle fanatic. But they are one of the hallmarks of Romania in general and Transylvania specifically. So when in Romania, see the castles.

As with most historical sites that I visit, I tend not to retain a lot of details on dates, notable people, etc. I'm more likely to walk away with an impression of the site, the experience of visiting, etc. Corvin Castle was interesting. It was the third castle in the span of a few days during my November trip through Bulgaria and Romania. First was Peleş. Then Bran. Each of those experiences played out differently than I had imagined in my head. And Corvin was no different. My research on Corvin included watching a few YouTube videos and from what I had seen I was picturing some amazing structure standing alone in a field with nothing around for as far as the eye could see. That expectation was done away with on the drive in through the surroundings of Hunedoara, which are unmistakably industrial. I guess it may depend on how exactly you approach it, but we came from Sibiu via E-68. So you turn south on the local road, passing a big ArceloMittal plant before you reach the castle itself. Not particularly romantic or fairytale in nature. Unless it's one of those dark fairytales about relatively gloomy circumstances before some fair prince or whatever comes on the scene and overcomes xyz to improve lives and uplift the villagers.

Anyway, I'm getting off track. It was a weird approach. And then the first thing you see is scaffolding (also like Peleş).

And behind you is some modern hotel / resort with tones of futuristic dystopian design.

The place is called Werk and it has some stellar views of the castle. Just seems a bit odd. But it's well reviewed, so maybe I should not knock it until I try it.

Took a couple of shots of the view before entering the castle.

Upon entry you see the asymetrical courtyard (perhaps there is a more castle-appropriate term), which was cool. Definitely felt castle-y as I got more into the compound. Still felt compelled to snap pics of the views.

Similar to Bran, the staging felt a bit more museum like than authentic castle. (Peleş, on the other hand, is the full experience - can really picture what it was like to live there). As you pass through the rooms you encounter occasional displays to hint at what it might have been like to live there during the high era. Or info displays, like the rack of cannonballs and weapons case. What I really was digging were the artisanal rugs. In another time I would have been motivated to track one/some of those down to pack up and bring home. But I was traveling light and we don't need any rugs. So I took the picture, admired the colorful handiwork and kept it moving.

One other cool thing we passed through on the way out was an exhibition in partnership with this art gallery (I think) from Cluj-Napoca. My guide explained it's a partnership to promote the work of young, local / regional artists. Some interesting stuff.

So, I saw Corvin Castle. Pretty cool. If you're a castle / history enthusiast surely it will be even more interesting to you.

Târgul de Crǎciun din Sibiu (Sibiu Christmas Market - Romania)

My time in Sibiu last November coincided with the early days of Târgul de Crǎciun din Sibiu (which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2027, so plan ahead). It was a nice little backdrop to my visit. I did not partake in the vin fiert. Reflecting on it now, maybe I should have. But I've had the Bruges version. And living in Andersonville for a few years, I did of course try some glögg. Just not really my thing. But I'm sure if I wasn't on a solo mission here I could have been persuaded to try a lil taste.

Various traditional and seasonal snacks were also available.

Generally a lovely holiday vibe and great option for winter / Christmas market travel.

Art Hotel - Sibiu, Romania

After finishing the drive from Braşov, via Sighişoara, my destination in Sibiu was the Art Hotel. Getting to it solo was a bit of an effort, as I needed to park the car about a 10-minute walk way (actually a good-sized, good value lot at Cazarma 90). If you've got someone with you it'd be smart to drop them and the luggage, do the loop back to parking and walk the 10 minutes of narrow sidewalks unencumbered. But it wasn't bad. And definitely easier that trudging through inches of slush in Braşov.

Standard room was solid and comfortable.

Good breakfast set up. News of the day on the TV was about the recent elections.

View from out in front wasn't too bad.

And it's just a 3-minute walk from Piața Mare, where the Christmas markets were already in progress.

Solid all around, would return/recommend.

Sighișoara, Romania (November 2024)

My morning started early-ish as it would be a day full of driving. And walking. Sighişoara is about 2 hours driving from Braşov. After stopping for a quick walkabout in Viscri and dealing with street parking and an uncooperative ATM of Banca Transylvania, it was time to explore a quiet and cold Sighişoara.

Even on a grey day, the cobblestone streets and colorful facades are charming.

Needing a coffee and bathroom, I zero'd in on this place.

It's the Burg Kaffe Cetate and as luck would have it, a very charming, friendly, warm place where I got a decent americano and something the server told me was traditional to the region.

Fueled up, I made the obligatory climb up the Scholar's Stairs. View from the top is a nice little payoff.

From there just some weaving and wandering around the streets, working my way back down to lower town.

Snapped a shot of the Boutique Hotel Von Graf getting ready for the holidays.

Continuing on down the other side of the hill I came up and realizing that some of the best views are from down here. Also some nice-looking restaurant options that are probably lovely stops for a beer and some mici during warmer months.

Snow started picking up a bit, which made the scene feel that much more charming. Helping the vibe was the fact that I hadn't been in snow for something like 12 years prior to this trip.



One last snap and then off to Sibiu, which is another 1h 40m away, plus whatever parking adventure I could expect upon arrival.