Petrila

Understand

The city is in the Cerna Valley near the Poiana Ruscă Mountains within the Carpathian Mountains. It is most known because of the Corvinestilor Castle (Hunyad Castle) in the city. Besides the Romanian population, there are ethnic Hungarians and Germans living in Hunedoara. A Roma population also thrives in a small village near the city, called Hăşdat. The city has many green gardens, and old trees flank the streets. The castle has been turned into a museum, following reconstruction. Cincis Lake, with tourist facilities, is 15 km from the city. During the 20th century, Hunedoara's population grew to 86,000 inhabitants. The city used to have the second largest steel works in Romania, but it has closed down. However, the economy of the city is benefiting from new investment.

Getting there

By train The closest railway station is in Simeria (~13 km north), with connections to Arad, Timisoara, Cluj-Napoca, Iasi and Bucharest. However, Deva is more convenient, because it has a direct bus connection with Hunedoara. Buses leave about every 20 minutes on weekdays and cost 12 lei. If you do get off in Simeria, you can take a taxi to Hunedoara. Make sure to negotiate beforehand, expect 30-35 lei, but not more than 50 lei. (updated July 2021)

By bus Hunedoara Bus Station is close to the railway station. For more information phone at +40 254712320. The bus from Deva leaves from the bus station (directly next to the railway station) every 20 minutes. The price is 12 Lei, paid directly to the driver.

By car If you want to come from Arad to Hunedoara, you must take E 68, and after you pass by Deva, you make right on the DJ 687 Road. If you come from Bucharest you must take A 1(E 81) to Pitesti, Ramnicu Valcea, Sibiu and then take E 68 to Sebes, Orastie, Simeria and then turn left on DJ 687 before you reach Deva. If you come from Craiova you must take E 79 to Tg.Jiu, Petrosani, Hateg and then turn left on DJ 687 before reaching Calan.

Getting around

The city centre is relatively small with everything within walking distance. One can take also a taxi:

Taxi-Avanti, ☏ +40 254 744222. Cris-Taxi, ☏ +40 254 747777. Turbo-Taxi, ☏ +40 254 744444. Mobyl-Taxi, ☏ +40 254 711999. Taxi-Rural, ☏ +40 254 714444.

Parking 1 Castle Parking (Parcare Castelul Corvinilor). upfront payment. (updated Jul 2024)

See

1 Hunyad Castle (Corvin Castle), Str. Curtea Corvinestilor nr. 1-3, ☏ +40 254711423. M 12:00-17:00; Tu-Su 09:00-17:00. Hunyad Castle is believed to be the place where Vlad III of Wallachia (commonly known as Vlad the Impaler) was held prisoner for 7 years after he was deposed in 1462. The castle is a relic of the Hunyadi dynasty. In the 14th century, the castle was given to John Hunyadi Serb, or Sorb by Sigismund King of Hungary as severance. The castle was restored between 1446 and 1453 by his grandson John Hunyadi. It was built mainly in Gothic style, but has Renaissance architectural elements. It features tall and strong defense towers, an interior yard and a drawbridge. Built over the site of an older fortification and on a rock above the small river Zlasti, the castle is a large and imposing building with tall and diversely colored roofs, towers and myriad windows and balconies adorned with stone carvings. As one of the most important properties of John Hunyadi, the castle was transformed during his reign. It became a sumptuous home, not only a strategically enforced point. With the passing of the years, the masters of the castle had modified its look, adding towers, halls and guest rooms. The gallery and the keep - the last defense tower (called Ne boisa = Do not be afraid), which remained unchanged from Iancu de Hunedoara's time, and the Capistrano Tower (named after the Franciscan monk from the castle court) are some of the most significant parts of the construction. Other significant parts of the building are the Knights' Hall (a great reception hall), the Club Tower, the White bastion, which served as a food storage room, and the Diet Hall, on whose walls medallions are painted (among them there are the portraits of Matei Basarab, ruler from Wallachia, and Vasile Lupu, ruler of Moldavia). In the wing of the castle called the Mantle, a painting can be seen which portrays the legend of the raven from which the name of the descendants of John Hunyadi, Corvinu

Do

Bowling. Hunedoara has one of Europe's most modern bowling alleys. It hosted the 2002 Bowling World Cup. Swim. 10:00-22:00. Two indoor swimming pools: one with a length of 25 m and a depth of 1.9 m for adults and another for children with a length of 15 m and depth of 1 m. 1 Beerbike, str. Ghe Lazar nr. 2, ☏ +40 354 738015, [email protected]. 18:00-21:30. Visit the city in a funny way.

Buy

Kaufland, Str. Avram Iancu, nr. 9a, ☏ +40 372 091901.

Eat

Restaurant Ciuperca, Str. Carol Davila. Restaurant Colosseum, Str. Nicolae Bălcescu, nr.2, ☏ +40 254 718100. 1 Restaurant Rustic, Str Libertatii Nr 4, ☏ +40 254 713424. Restaurant Caro Cristur (Pensiunea Caro), DN 68B, Cristur, ☏ +40 254 236 010. Here they might set out some little hor d'oeuvres plates of ham and cheese and things.

Drink & nightlife

Bar Diesel (Pub Retro), Str. Gheorghe Lazar, Nr. 2, ☏ +40 354 738 015. 16:00-02:00.

Sleep

Hotel Rusca 3*, B-dul Dacia nr. 10, ☏ +40 254 717575. It's like a big superstructure looking over the city, so you shouldn't have trouble missing it, plus it has little pasties and things for breakfast. Krystal Boutique Mansion, Str.Pestisu Mare nr.48H, ☏ +40 752 161 184. Krystal Hotel is in Hunedoara entry from Deva and has 17 rooms spread on 3 floors all equipped with the most modern facilities. The rooms are each equipped with bathroom, air conditioning, minibar, cable TV (47 channels) - LCD, free internet access, office. The hotel also benefits from a parking with approx. 20 spaces, a bar/ restaurant, and a terrace and outdoor pool. 206 leu. Hotel Maier 3*, Bd. Republicii 1A, ☏ +40 354 417130. Features a restaurant known as the Pizza Maier on the premises.

Go next

Călan, 11 km east Deva, 15 km north Simeria, 18 km northeast Hațeg, 20 km south Orăștie, 33 km northeast Retezat National Park, 40 km south Geoagiu, 40 km northeast Alba Iulia, 80 km northeast