Corvin Castle and Hunendoara

On route to Corvin castle at Hunendoar we encountered some elaborate houses which we were told belonged to the Rich Gypsy families.

As you can see they were very ornate.

 

 

Corvin Castle.

This spectacular Gothic style Castle was built by the Anjou family on the site of a former Roman camp and served as a Fortress until the mid 14th century when it became the residence of the ruler Ioannes Corvinus who upgraded it by transforming into a Transylvania Castle.

 

 

The Knights hall is splendid with all its different flags and floor decorations denoting the different Knights coats of arms.

 

 

The Raven and the ring legend.

Legend has it that young Corvinus had a gold ring which was the only proof of his right to inherit. A raven stole the ring and the young boy chased it and shot it with an arrow reclaiming his ring.

He took this as his symbol.

 

 

The torture cell.

Not many re-offenders in those days.

 

 

One final modern day Palace.

 

 

Another must visit as it is one of the Largest Castles in Europe and is a proper castle and not a Palace.



Sarmizegetusa Regia. Dacian ruins.

Gateway to the Park near Orasti which contains the ruined Dacian fortress of Sarmizegetusa Regia.

( 1c  BC)

 

 

Main Entrance to Fortress

 

 

Ancient Paved roadway down to the Sacred Zone.

This was a Ceremonial path leading down to an area which contained seven temples.

Two of these were cicular.

 

 

Large limestone temple.

 

 

Reconstruction of the circular sanctuary.

 

 

This is the Andesite Altar with drain channels to remove the liquids from sacrificial rights.

It is the only one of its kind in the Dacian area.

It had astronomic significance and usage.

 

 

There is evidence of  metal workshops around the site and there is evidence that they were forging the Roman coinage.

 

 

A very worthwhile visit.