However, if you ask me, the Musee Fragonard d’Alfort is a must-see trip for those that like their macabre to be weird and wonderful. I actually prefer it to the underground warren of skulls, you’ll see fewer tourists that’s for sure.

And in many ways, the Musée Fragonard d’Alfort leaves a greater impact on the visitor. Founded in 1766 as a veterinary school, the museum has a private collection of corpse oddities that would put Ted Bundy to shame.

Inside the Musée Fragonard d’Alfort

You can also see inside the dissected body of a goat. Or admire the human head with its blood vessels injected with colored wax, the veins are blue and the arteries are red.

The show-stopper has to be the collection of écorchés, or “flayed figures,” created by Honoré Fragonard.

The skinless horsemen of the apocalypse riding a flayed horse-corpse (inspired by the famous Albrecht Dürer painting) take center stage. It is surrounded by a crowd of small human fetuses riding sheep and horse fetuses.

Fragonard had an unhealthy obsession with fetuses it seems. This stuff isn’t for the faint-hearted.

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The Dark Mind of Honoré Fragonard

Louis XV appointed Honoré Fragonard as a professor at the first veterinary school in Lyon.

Given free reign, it was here that Fragonard began exploring his predilection for dead stuff. He perfected the art of skinning and preserving animals and, later, human corpses.

Initially, this was all under the pretense of creating educational tools for his students.

This turned into an obsession, however, as he began arranging his creations into theatrical poses, attempts at “art” and the formation of dark posthumous narratives.

Fired for being a Madman

Amazingly, Fragonard was able to work at the veterinary school in Lyon for a full six years before his superiors stepped in.

In 1771 he was dismissed from the institution under terms of insanity. His “work” was then packed and hidden away from the general public for over 200 years.

It wasn’t until the Paris Fragonard museum opened in 1991, that these morbid curiosities were made available for viewing once more.

However, even then only a small portion of his output has made it to the museum floor. Fragonard prepared over 700 works during his lifetime (he continued to create after being sacked from Lyon) and unfortunately only 21 pieces remain on display today.

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Where is the Musée Fragonard d’Alfort

• Address: 7, avenue de Général de Gaulle, Maisons-Alfort
• Phone: +33 1 43 96 71 72
• Website

Take the Métro to École Veterinaire de Maisons- Alfoet and you’ll be a mere 2 minutes walk away from the museum.

Featured Image: C. Degueurce [Public Domain]

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This 160-mile-long (257 km), 2.5-mile-wide (4 km) strip of land between the two Koreas, is one of the most heavily guarded borders on the planet. Over two million soldiers patrol the area.

Much like the Cold War demarcation zone on the eastern side of the Berlin Wall, attempts to cross the border using improper methods will result in being shot. No questions asked.

In fact, tensions are so jittery at the DMZ a wrong move by either party could lead to an all-out war.

As Kim Jong Un has boasted, the North has the ability to obliterate the South Korean capital, Seoul, (it lies just 56km from the DMZ border) with a touch of a button. It is well within the range of the tyrant’s missiles.

However, for now, the stalemate continues. The 1953 ceasefire that ended the Korean War, (well paused it actually, no peace treaty was ever signed, meaning the two Koreas are technically still at war), has seen little in the way of change over the intervening 67 years.

The divided country made up of the same people remains just as hostile towards one another, as it has since the end of the second world war.

The Third Tunnel of Aggression

North Korea has one of the largest manned armies in the world. While the south’s military ambitions are smaller, it has technology on its side as well as the support of the mighty US Army.

This hasn’t stopped the various ruling Kims from pursuing more guerrilla based tactics over the years, however.

South Korea first discovered the Third Tunnel of Aggression in 1978; (so-called, because, well it was the 3rd one they found).

The purpose was rather transparent. For a land-based attack, the North Koreans needed to get their army into enemy territory fast and with the element of surprise. The tunnels would have achieved this.

In fact, while only 4 tunnels have been discovered to date, they are rumored to be at least a dozen more beneath the DMZ. Not all have broke ground into South Korea proper, meaning they are difficult to find.

How big is the 3rd Tunnel at the DMZ?

The Third Tunnel measures just over a mile (1.6 km) long, ending 27 miles (43.5 km) from the South Korean capital.

North Korea at first denied digging the tunnel. After the evidence that they did piled up, they then painted the insides black and reported that it was merely a tunnel dug for coal; despite none being found there.

Unable to trust the North Korean officials any further than they could throw them, the South took control of the passage and blocked its point along the 38th parallel (beneath the DMZ) with concrete barriers.

Where is the Third Tunnel of Aggression

• Address: South Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Paju-si, Gunnae-myeon, 점원리 산 172
• Phone: +82 31-940-8526
• Website

Visiting the Tunnel

The second barricade can be viewed through a small window from the third. Beyond that (and we are only talking about a few feet here), is where North Korea begins.

You can almost hear the footsteps of the machine-gun, wielding guards patrolling the other side.

Good to Know

Your mobile, camera and other belongings will need to be placed in a locker before you enter the tunnel as no photography is allowed. You will also need to wear a hard hat

The first part of the walk is along a steep downhill slope for about 500 meters. Beyond that, things get a bit narrow, so be warned if you’re claustrophobic. And for those above 6′, you’ll be stooping a lot to avoid hitting your head.

The Tunnel Hunters

Tunnel Hunters, (enthusiastic members of the public in other words) in South Korea continue to search for secret passageways in and around the DMZ.

Their patriotic zeal is commendable if a little fool-hardy. However, they firmly believe that their liberty and safety are under threat from a North Korean invasion until all the tunnels are found.

Featured Image: AwOiSoAk KaOsIoWa [CC BY-SA]

Have you been here? Or would you like to visit? What are your thoughts on this place?

Featured Image: Ketounette [CC BY-SA]

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Firstly, you have to make your way out to Colombia in order to reach it. The trip isn’t for the faint-hearted.

Once you get there, all you will see are abandoned buildings surrounded by weeds. However, what you are looking at is the upper levels of a town that was once home to 30,000 people.

The ground floors are buried by the mud that suffocated the town and two-thirds of its population just 35 years ago.

The Armero Tragedy

The tragedy is remembered very little outside of Colombia today. However, Armero was once a bustling location that stood in the flatlands below the nearby Nevado del Ruiz volcano.

In the early hours of November 13, 1985, hell on earth came to the unfortunate residents of Armero as the volcano erupted.

Taking place in the middle of the night, and with a storm occurring at the same time, the locals did not know they were in grave danger. Most were sleeping soundly.

Tragically, recommendations from geological experts to evacuate the community had been ignored. When volcanic ash had started falling the previous day, local authorities informed residents that it was nothing to worry about.

This negligence would help explain the enormous loss of life.

The erupting volcano melted nearby summit glaciers and snow. This caused four giant walls of mud and debris (lahar) to hurtle toward Armero at almost 30mph.

The sleeping town had no chance as they were drowned in a 15-foot layer of thick sludge  Over 23,000 people were killed.

Needless to say, government officials were blamed for the tragedy that should have been averted. It is considered Colombia’s worst natural disaster.

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Trapped to death

Those that died in the initial eruption were more fortunate than those that were trapped and could not be freed.

First, they faced an agonizing 12-hour wait before first responders could actually reach the town.

However, in many cases, the mud had encased them too tightly. It pulled at their feet like quicksand, and to fight against it, made them sink further.

The rescue efforts were slow and dangerous. Those that could not hold out any longer disappeared into the mud as the relief workers, tried and failed to save them.

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13-year-old Omayra Sánchez

One of the most well-known victims of the Armero disaster was a 13-year-old girl named Omayra Sánchez.

Imprisoned up to her neck in a mixture of the volcanic sludge and the debris of her own destroyed home, young Omayra smiled and sang as rescuers worked to free her.

While trapped, she was even interviewed by a local television station. Her spirits were high as she believed she would soon be safe.

The reality was a lot darker, however. Volunteers tried multiple times to free her but to no avail. After 60 hours of being held fast in the rubble, she died.

A photograph of her staring, helpless, into the camera, made headlines around the world at the time and became the symbol of the disaster.

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Where is the Armero Ghost Town

The ruins of Armero are a 6-hour drive west of Bogotá, Colombia’s capital via Honda and Mariquita. Aim for Highway 43 and it will take you into the vicinity.

Mariquita, just 15 miles north of the site, is the nearest town where you can expect to book accommodation and buy food. From there you will be able to take a taxi or local bus to the ruins, which are 30kms along the main road to Ibague.

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Armero Today

Destroyed by the mud and with most of its population horrifically killed, what was left of Armero was soon abandoned.

Shortly after the disaster, survivors created a pseudo-cemetery for the dead. Makeshift tombs were made out of the rubble, some of which can still be seen today.

The ghost town of Armero has little infrastructure for tourists, (this is not a place of snack bars or souvenir shops). That being said, the Armando Armero foundation has established a Memory Interpretation Center on the site, where the visitors that do make it, can learn more about the disaster and the city before it was buried.

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Booking a guide to Armero

You will not be able to book a tour online for Armero ghost town. In fact, you will see little advertising for organized tours even when you reach the towns close by.

However, upon arrival at the site, head to the visitor’s center and they will be able to provide you with a local guide. There’s no set fee for this but 20,000 to 50,000 peso is the going rate, depending on how much time you take.

Featured Image: Flickr/Olavia Kite

Featured Image: Ketounette [CC BY-SA]

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While I wouldn’t necessarily recommend a detour to go see it, (it’s only a statue after all), while in the area, it is certainly worth a gander.

The life-size sculpture by Ligier Richier is part of the “Transi” Renaissance art form. It’s an exploration of death through art, at a time when societal anxiety over mortality was at a peak.

Completed sometime in the 1550s, Europe was being ravaged by plague, war, and religious conflicts.

The statue is extremely visceral, depicting the putrefied and skinless corpse of René de Chalon. Skin hangs in flaps over the hollow carcass, which stands upright with the left hand extended upwards (to heaven).

It is quite a sight, especially when you consider that the open palm once held the dried heart of René de Chalon.

Interestingly, the heart is believed to have gone missing at the time of the French Revolution and could be in some Oligarch’s secret art collection of the macabre. One wonders.

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Where is Saint-Étienne church

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While you’re there, you can also check out another sculpture by Ligier Richier in the form of the Calvaire (the Calvary) representing Christ and two robbers. This is positioned behind the altar.

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Who was Rene of Chalon?

His deathbed wish was that his tomb be depicted as he would look after 3 years of decomposition. Like I say, quite the dude. His wife was apparently fully on board too.

The world was then left with the Richier’s artistic representation; an écorché statue, with skin and muscles, decayed.

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The story alone is enough to make your hairs prickle, (or maybe that’s just me whenever I see the infamous image of the medieval plague doctor mask).

As the tragic legend goes, back in the 1640s hundreds of plague victims from around the city were rounded up and herded into the tight quarters of Mary King’s Close.

The close was then walled up and everyone inside left to die. Their desperate screams allegedly rang out across Edinburgh (which was clearly a lot smaller then) for days.

The truth behind the legend

As with many legends, time has exaggerated the details. The true history is nearly as gruesome, however.

The Black Death hit Scotland hard during the 17th Century. A quarter of the population was lost and the disease was rampant in overcrowded areas such as Edinburgh.

The dirty, warren-like tenements of Mary King’s Close (its semi-subterranean alleys were home to around 500 people), were particularly prone.

Plague victims were too weak to move from their homes, and the death toll continued to rise.

That image of the plague doctor that gives me goosebumps, belonged to the likes of local doctor George Rae.

He would visit the sick and dying in Mary King’s Close, wearing the full leather protection clothing and that hideous mask with the long bird beak.

This design was used so that aromatic fragrances could be packed into the long nose, in the belief that it would protect the wearer from what was considered then, an airborne disease.

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Treating the victims

If treated early enough, it is believed that the process may have saved lives.

A quarantine zone

The legend of the victims being walled in very likely comes from the fact that the whole area was quarantined during the plague epidemic. Dr. Rae did what he could, however, the disease still wiped out a large percentage of the local population.

Finally, almost 100 years after the deadly pandemic, the whole site was sealed off in the 1750s. The City Chambers building was constructed on top of the underground warren. No one was trapped in the foundations and left to die mind you.

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Where is Mary King’s Close

Visiting the Remains of Mary King’s Close

The abandoned remains of Mary King’s Close were closed to the general public for centuries.

It wasn’t until 2003 that an entrance was opened up, and what’s left of the subterranean layout made safely accessible to the likes of us.

Today, anyone with an interest in Edinburgh’s macabre history can pay a visit and there are a number of guided tours available. True to form, there’s also a good little ghost story attached to the site.

One of the spirits that haunt those musty passages is that of a ten-year-old girl named Annie. Showing visible signs of the plague that took her life, believers report temperature changes and feeling a strange presence in the room which is said to be hers.

Featured Image: The Real Mary’s Kings Close

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What we do know is that the castle was built in the second half of the 13th century. However, the reason is unclear and in some ways depends on your belief in heaven and hell.

The mysterious gothic castle was built miles from a reliable water source, and history points to it being of no strategic importance.

In fact, a look at the records shows that for long periods the castle wasn’t even inhabited.

It is believed that construction began under the orders of Bohemian ruler Ottokar II of Bohemia, the building was to serve as a center to manage his large royal estate.

That’s a reasonable explanation. However, a more fanciful version is that the castle was designed to stop the forces of evil from entering our worldly realm.

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The Legend of Houska Castle

According to legend, the location of Houska Castle is directly on top of a gate to hell.

Apparently, a portal opened on this remote Czech mountain ridge and the castle was built to stop the demons from escaping.

The hole was said to be so deep that the bottom was impossible to find. Inmates that were sentenced to death were offered pardons if they dared to venture inside.

As the legend goes, the first man to be lowered into the hole began to scream within seconds of his descent.

He was quickly pulled out but his mind was already irreparably damaged by fear and his face had aged 30 years. He said that the hole was full of half-man, half-human beasts. The man died two days later inside a mental asylum.

Within the castle, a chapel was constructed directly above the hole so that it would be sealed off forever.

To this day it is said that cars will not start if they are too close to the castle, visitors have heard what they describe as a “chorus of screams” coming from beneath the floors of the chapel. If one listens carefully they may hear the scratching of claws.

Outside the castle, there have been repeated sightings of a strange hybrid creature between a human, frog and a dog. Howling screams in the surrounding woods have also been heard at night.

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Houska Castle and the Nazis

The Nazis famously took the occult very seriously, and it is believed that they chose the castle as a location to perform inhumane experiments in an attempt to harness the power of evil for themselves.

Prisoners of war and local people fell victim to the Germans, however, records to the extent of experimentation were destroyed before the end of the war.

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Where is Houska Castle?

• Address: Hrad Houska 1, 471 62 Doksy, Czechia
• Phone: +420 728 351 101
• Website

Public transport to the castle is limited, so one of the best ways to reach the castle is to hire a car for the day. The location is about 30 miles north of Prague. Alternatively, if you are staying relatively close, you could book a taxi from your accommodation.

There is a carpark at the base of the castle and upon arrival, you will need to hike up through the grounds to the main entrance.

Featured Image: Scary Side of Earth (CC by 2.0)

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It’s location, tucked away among the ridges of the Caucasus mountains, mean that only the most committed travelers ever get to experience it.

The site is also classed as an ancient necropolis, with a number of myths and legends attached to how and why the tombs were built there. All of which makes it an essential dark tourism location.

History of Dargavs Village

However, the oldest crypts at Dargavs date back to the 16th century. Why the locals first began to bury their loved ones in such a manner is unknown.

The Necropolis is made up of a series of stone dwellings grouped together along the ridge. Archaeologists have conducted extensive research and have discovered human remains inside each of the buildings.

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The 18th Century Plague

This is also supported by verbal accounts passed through the ages. Local legend says that clans of the time built quarantine houses at the site for afflicted family members to live in until they succumbed to the disease.

More desperate still, those without the support of others would literally arrive at the cemetery, find a spot and await their death.

From there on in, it became known as the “City of the Dead”, and locals stayed clear for generations in the belief that anyone that went there would not come back alive.

Where is Dargavs Village (City of the Dead)?

• Address: Даргавс, North Ossetia–Alania, Russia, 363128

How to get there?

I first traveled to Dargavs Village on a much longer drive through Eastern Europe, Russia, and the Caucasus. Because I had my own vehicle it wasn’t difficult to organize.

However, it is certainly remote and you need confidence behind the wheel.

Reaching the Necropolis from Nalchik involved a three-hour drive into the mountains, the route taking me along some perilous tracks. (I was happy that my spare wheel was in good condition put it that way).

Advising on how to get there is difficult as it all depends on which direction you are coming from. One of the closest cities to the site is Vladikavkaz, there are plenty of accommodation options there and that’s where I overnighted after my visit.

Mind you, despite being only 55km away, the drive can still take up to 2 hours due to the nature of the terrain, (and stops to take photographs of the incredible scenery).

If an organized tour is more your thing, I have chosen what I believe to be the best available in the recommended box below.

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What to expect at the site?

The City of Death contains over 100 ancient white stone crypts that you can actually walk around. These rise up the side of the valley in a disconcertingly organized manner.

At the back of the Necropolis, there is a watchtower, however, you should not enter this as the top part has been destroyed.

It is said that the tower was once used to watch over the dead. (Or maybe to ensure that the plague victims did not roam – my thought process anyway).

Some of the larger crypts are actually 2 to 4 stories high. Generally speaking, the larger the crypt the more people buried inside.

Due to the remoteness of the village you are unlikely to see other tourists on your visit.

Back in Soviet times, it was a much more popular tourist destination with bus visits and ticket booths. Now you can enter for free, and you definitely need to bring your own refreshments. Very few people come here.

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Enter with the right state of mind, and you will leave feeling optimistic about life: “Any day above ground is a good one,” is the slogan of the museum, and I couldn’t agree more!

Founded in 1992 by undertaker Robert L. Waltrip, (there is an embalming school next door), the museum aims to celebrate our precious lives, by showing us how we have honored its loss over the generations.

Inside the National Museum of Funeral History

The National Museum of Funeral History contains the largest collection of funeral exhibits you will find anywhere in the USA.

The artifacts on display range from horse-drawn hearses from the 19th century to JFK’s original eternal flame.

There’s a whole section dedicated to the funeral programs of famous people, as well as memorabilia from Michael Jackson’s memorial service.

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How the Victorians Celebrated Death

A focus on the Victorian practices surrounding death are especially interesting, (I am originally from the U.K).

These include a ceremonial wooden clock that was designed to remind family members of the departed to mourn on the hour.

There is also a beautiful quilt poignantly made from the ribbons that would have bound the flowers together for the service.

On a macabre note, keep an eye out for the jewelry on display that is made from human hair. A memento you once could have carried from the head of the deceased.

The museum also covers African fantasy coffins, and you can enjoy an in-depth look into the history of embalming.

A rather fetching exhibit is the Snow White–inspired glass casket.

The Death of Popes

For this the Museum collaborated directly with the Vatican, bringing unprecedented insight into the ceremonies surrounding papal funerals. The standout piece covering this is the full-scale replica of Pope John Paul II’s crypt.

Overall the 35,000-square-foot museum is just teeming with death in a manner that is far from morbid.

A family can have a day out here and enjoy the  “fantasy coffin” section that includes caskets shaped like a shallot, a Mercedes automobile, and a chicken. There’s also a heartfelt tribute to legendary Batman star Adam West.

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Where is the National Museum of Funeral History

• Address: 415 Barren Springs Dr, Houston, TX 77090, United States
• Phone: +1 281-876-3063
• Email: contact@nmfh.org
• Website

Good to know

The museum also features special exhibits that are only on display for a specific amount of time. At the time of writing, a rather interesting “Icons in Ash’ is being promoted.

Here, you will be able to view “life-affirming portraits made from cremated remains”. Interesting indeed. The point being, it is definitely worth checking the website to see what the latest exhibits are before you go.

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Featured Image Credit: Funeralhistorian [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

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Beneath Kingsford Country Park, the Drakelow Tunnels are a former “Top Secret”, underground military center, spanning over 3.5 miles.

If you happen to be anywhere near Kidderminster in Worcestershire, England, this is an essential dark tourist site to check out.

Mind you, you will need to book ahead as admission is by arranged, guided tour only, (more on that below).

Short History of the Drakelow Tunnels

The tunnels were first dug between 1941 and 1942 to house a “shadow factory” for the Rover car company.

Shadow factories was a British concept that took hold in the 1930s. The idea was to mix knowledge and machinery between industries so that each would mutually benefit. (Essentially, experts would “shadow” each other.)

In the case of the Drakelow Tunnels, auto and aeronautical companies worked together.

The tunnels proved very useful during WW2 as they immediately lent themselves to the production of aircraft and tank engines.

The Cold War

As the long frost of the Cold War set in, the Drakelow Tunnels took on yet another purpose. In 1961 the British Government started converting the complex into a top-secret facility named Regional Seat of Government 9 (R.S.G. 9).

This gradually developed into an “End of the world” nuclear bunker so that the UK could be managed from below in the event of nuclear war.

By 1980 the complex was re-designated (R.G.H.Q. 9.2) and had been upgraded with blast doors and airlocks to withstand armageddon.

All of this was unknown to the public of course; a state of affairs that lasted until 1993.

Decommissioning Begins

With the government out by the mid-nineties, the tunnels and all of the remaining (somewhat obsolete) equipment went into private ownership.

In more recent years, however, the Drakelow Tunnels Preservation Trust has been working tirelessly to restore the complex and transform it into a fascinating Cold War Museum.

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Where are the Drakelow Tunnels?

Address: Wolverley and Cookley, Kidderminster DY11 5SW, United Kingdom

Visiting the Drakelow Tunnels

Turning the complex into a family-friendly museum has proved to be a slow process. Some sections are open to visitors, however, as already mentioned these can only be conducted via organized tours that occur on set dates.

To find out when these are you need to visit the Save Drakelow Facebook page. Here, you will be given information on upcoming tours and whether spaces are available.

They have a strict 180 person limit and due to the sporadic nature of the open days, these sell out fast. (You will also be allocated a time, as the 180 people are split into tour groups throughout the day).

Entrance Fee

• £10 for adults
• £5 for kids age 10 to 15 (children under 10 not permitted).

Payment is by cash on the day and they ask that you bring the correct amount if possible. Head to the website to find out more.

What to expect on the tour

Highlights include the BBC studio where the government would have broadcast to survivors of the nuclear attack. You’ll also be led around the dormitories and decontamination block.

Equipment in the emergency generator room still remains, as well as the dated technology of the GPO telephone exchange.

The tour lasts between 45 minutes to 1.5hrs depending on the number of questions asked, which they whole-heartedly encourage.

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Good to know

Photography is allowed in all sections of the complex.

Some areas of the tunnels have limited lighting so a good torch is recommended. You should also bring your own food as there are no provisions for refreshments

There is no wheelchair access.

Finally, it can get awfully chilly down there, even in summer. So bring a jumper or a coat.

Note: The Engish Heritage sells tickets on their website for 30 quid a pop and should be avoided. Quite what they are playing at with that I do not know.

A Trip Inside the Drakelow Tunnels (1992)

The following video provides a very interesting insight into what the Drakelow Tunnels actually looked like before it was completely decommissioned and much of the original equipment sold off.

This home video was filmed in 1992 (so forgive the quality). It was shot whilst the MOD still owned the complex.

Featured Image Credit: Joesaphine [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

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It is also one of the largest castles in Europe and Romanians are justly proud of it; the building regularly features as one of the Seven Wonders of Romania.

Also known as Hunyad Castle or Castelul Corvinilor, the castle is situated on the edge of the small Romanian city of Hunedoara.

Steeped in creepy lore and sinister legend that will have the average dark tourist salivating, the castle has also been connected to the history of Vlad the Impaler.

And while Bram Castle is the more obvious link to the infamous inspiration for Dracula, events that took place in and around Corvin Castle make for interesting reading.

The History of Corvin Castle

The castle was originally started in 1446 by the Voivode of Transylvania John Hunyadi. Gothic-Renaissance was the style of the day, and its imposing position upon a rock base above the Zlaști River only adds to the drama.

Due to the need for heavy fortification at the time, Corvin Castle was built with double walls, bastions and flanked by tall rectangular and circular towers.

There is also an attractive inner courtyard, and the building has myriad windows and balconies; all of which evoke that fairy-tale castle atmosphere.

Substantial modifications were made during the 17th century, with alterations to the council hall and chapel.

Essentially, the Corvin Castle a visitor sees in 2020 is the result of many waves of restoration undertaken over the last 5 centuries.

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Corvin Castle & Vlad the Impaler

As punishment for Vlad’s reign of terror as the Prince of Wallachia in the 15^th century, it is said that he was imprisoned for an undetermined amount of time in the dungeon at Corvin castle.

John Hunyadi, was Hungary’s military leader at the time so the legend is plausible. However, the story goes on to propose that Vlad was driven insane due to his treatment there, and thus became even more murderous upon his eventual release.

The castle itself has little standing as an inspiration for Bram Stoker mind you. Stoker’s own handwritten research notes confirm that he imagined castle as being somewhere else entirely, (the Transylvanian Călimani Mountains) and that he probably wasn’t even aware of the existence of Corvin Castle.

The good news for Dracula fans and dark tourists alike is that the dungeon where Vlad the Impaler would have been held is open to the public.

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Other legends at Corvin Castle

According to legend, the 30 meters deep well in the castle yard was dug by 3 Turkish prisoners over 15 years of toil.

It is said that they were promised release by John Hunyadi upon reaching water. However, after he died, his wife Elisabeth failed to honor the promise. Instead, she chose to reward their hard work with a death sentence.

The prisoner’s final wish was to carve an inscription into the stone near the well. Their message can still be read to this day and was originally meant to have said: “You may have water, but you have no soul“.

Nothing like a bit of graffiti to act out your revenge

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Supernatural attraction

The castle has featured on a few television programs and countless publications that focus on the supernatural and the occult.

In 2007, the British paranormal television program Most Haunted Live! Broadcast a 3-night special investigation from the castle.

Ghost Adventures also filmed a Halloween episode from the grounds. The castle has also featured in the Age of Empires video game.

It really is a captivating destination that is a must-see site for any dark tourist visiting the region.

Where is Corvin Castle

• Address: Strada Castelului 1-3, Romania
• Website: Here
• Email: contact@castelulcorvinilor.ro
• Phone: +40786048718

Visiting Corvin Castle

Getting to Corvin castle from Hunedoara is easy. A simple drive or taxi journey will get you from the town to the castle. On a pleasant day, you could even choose to walk.

The entry fee is 30 LEI for adults, (to take photographs you will need to pay an additional 5 LEI, videos 15 LEI). To book a guide clearly costs more, however, it is recommended that you check the website as these vary depending on language and season.

Castle opening hours:

• 9am – 7.45pm, Tuesday – Sunday
• 10.30am – 7.45pm, Mondays.

Where to stay near Corvin Castle

When visiting Corvin Castle you have limited accommodation options. There are relatively few properties on Airbnb in Hunedoara itself, however, depending on when you plan to visit, these may be available.

One of the reasons for a lack of choice in Hunedoara is that aside from the castle, there is very little else to see there.

The nearby city of Deva is actually a better option. There’s more accommodation on offer as well as things to do. There’s also a convenient shuttle bus that runs daily every 15 minutes between Deva and Hunedoara train stations, (6.5 LEI).

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Featured Image: Paszczur01 [CC BY-SA 3.0 ro], via Wikimedia Commons

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