The Hunedoara city located into Poiana Ruscai Mountains, in Transylvania, is hosting the only gothic castle preserved in Romania. The construction of the medieval castle began in the 14-th century, under Iancu Corvin of Hunedoara's ruling. The history of the city closely interweaves with Corvin's family, Hunedoara being known as the residence city of the family. The beautiful gothic castle dominates the landscape, so, even if you won't find any indicators to guide you to it, you won't miss it on your way. The architecture is magnificent and complex in late gothic style combined with Renaissance elements, being an unique example in Romania, of fortified noble residence.

     The access to the castle is ensured by a wooden bridge supported by stone pillars across the river Zlasti, which takes you to the gate tower of rectangular shape, where the opening to the inner yard is found. On the first floor of the gate tower there is the princesses's room, which was converted for the ladies of the castle during the 17 th century. To the eastern side of the yard there is a 30 meters deep fountain, dug by the Turkish prisoners. The chapel is located on the oldest side of the fortress, dated back to Iancu's son times, Matei Corvin.

The architectonic ensemble has suffered many adjustments and extensions along the time according to the requirements of the age. Most of the original furniture was lost, the few pieces that are now found being created only later. In the Capistrano tower (named after the name of a monk who lived in the castle during the 15 th century) a beautiful stone fireplace made in late gothic style was preserved. The big Palace is a construction of French inspiration hosting the military technique exhibition on its ground floor, while the Gothic Gallery is found on the first floor, in the knight's hall (the place of the committee gathering- Dieta).

    During the 18-th century, the offices of the Poiana Ruscai Mountains iron mines administration functioned on the second floor of the southern Palace. Nowdays an ethnographic exhibition is hosted here, while the room called the platform of the new gate tower (17-th century) is hosting the archeology exhibition. The old gate tower from the 15-th century went out of use lately, being blocked by a defensive bastion called the White Tower. The big palace (the Bethlen wing) found on the eastern side opens on two floors, the neo-ghotic gallery and the living room of the palace (the museum hall) being situated on the first floor.

     We could visit the NeBoisa (don't be afraid!) tower built on four stories. A closed gangway is found on the last floor, which was used for defense by the soldiers.

     The panoramic pictures taken at the castle show you the architectonic ensemble of the visiting area and the NeBoisa tower (closed to visitors). You can choose the way to view the pictures either as panoramic images Java, QuickTime or Deval format or a virtual tour of the castle in Deval or Java format.