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.
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