<p>One of Europe's largest and most dramatic castles, Corvin Castle (also known as Hunyadi or Hunedoara Castle) is a magnificent Gothic-Renaissance fortress built atop earlier fortifications in the mid-15th century. Featuring huge arched Gothic halls, a long drawbridge, Renaissance balconies, suspended passageways, and marble corridors, this Romanian gem has been a popular backdrop for movies and TV shows, and is thought to have inspired depictions of Dracula's Castle. Built by John Hunyadi and later owned by Matias Corvin, who led Hungary to its zenith, the castle also held Vlad the Impaler (Dracula's inspiration) as a prisoner for a time. Today, visitors can explore its impressive architecture and immerse themselves in centuries of Transylvanian history.</p>
