Europe has many old castles, each with its own story. Some were royal homes, others military strongholds. But one castle in Romania has become popular for a different reason, as many believe it’s the “most haunted” in Europe.
Corvin Castle, also known as Hunyad Castle or Hunedoara Castle, is located in the city of Hunedoara near the Romanian-Hungarian border. The building dates back to 1441, when it was ordered by John Hunyadi, the voivode of Transylvania, on top of an old fortress once built by King Charles I of Hungary.
Despite its fairytale appearance, many visitors say Corvin Castle has a “dark and eerie” atmosphere.
Several of its towers were once used as prisons, and parts of the lower floors still contain old torture equipment, including a bear pit where people were reportedly thrown to their deaths.
In the courtyard, there is a 30-metre-deep well said to have been dug by three Turkish prisoners who were promised their freedom if they reached water.
It took them over 15 years to finish. But by the time they completed the work, Hunyadi had died. According to the story, his wife refused to free them. One of the men is said to have carved the words “You have water, but no soul” into the stone.
There are also claims that Vlad the Impaler, the ruler who inspired the story of Dracula, was once kept prisoner in the castle.
Some say he was locked away for seven years and survived by eating rats. But there is no solid evidence of this.
Others believe the castle is haunted. One part of the building, the Capistrano Tower, is said to be haunted by a monk who was accused of spying and bricked up inside a wall.
Visitors have reported hearing footsteps, whispers and strange noises throughout the castle.
Tourists who have visited often describe the castle as both fascinating and terrifying.
One visitor wrote on TripAdvisor: “This castle is beautiful. The bridge is a great photo spot. Inside, you can feel the old history.
“We got chills in the dungeon and the bear pit. It’s easy to see why people say this is the most haunted castle in Europe. A must-see for anyone who likes history or ghosts. It’s terrifying at times.”
Another added: “The towers and courtyards are awesome. But the stories about Vlad the Impaler and the prisoners are spooky. You can almost feel them there. It’s a beautiful place, but also kind of scary.”
Someone else said: “I’ve been to many castles, and this is the best. The past feels very real here. Someone said it’s the most haunted castle in Europe, and I believe it. We heard a strange sound in the hallway and it freaked us out.”
Another visitor added: “The view from the bridge is perfect, one of the best I’ve ever seen. The castle’s design is very impressive.
“But it also feels creepy when you walk through the old dungeons and see the well. I like that it’s both a work of art and a genuinely scary place.”
Today, Corvin Castle is open to the public as a museum and is a popular stop for dark tourism.