Martinuzzi Castle

Martinuzzi Castle, also known as Alvinc Castle, is a historic medieval fortress located in Vințu de Jos within the Transylvania region of Romania. Originally constructed in the 13th century for the Diocese of Transylvania, the structure was significantly restored in 1551 and stands as one of the earliest and most influential examples of Italian Renaissance architecture in the area. Today, the site exists as ruins and is officially recognized as a national heritage monument under the code AB-II-m-B-00394 in Romania's National Register of Historic Monuments. Despite its protected status, the property has suffered extensive deterioration over the centuries and currently faces the threat of imminent collapse.

The castle possesses a dark and dramatic history marked by political intrigue and violence. It is most famously known as the location where George Martinuzzi was assassinated in December 1551 by General Giovanni Battista Castaldo. The fortress subsequently served as a prison for several high-profile figures, including Aaron the Tyrant, who was poisoned there in 1595, and Metropolitan Sava Brancović in 1680. Tragically, Italian architects Simone and Fulvio Genga were also executed in the castle dungeons in 1601 following accusations of political conspiracy. The structure endured further damage during Ottoman and Tatar attacks between 1658 and 1661, and later suffered a significant fire in 1792 while serving as an episcopal summer residence.

In more recent times, the castle's condition worsened considerably. During Romania's communist era, the historic site was repurposed for industrial use, functioning variously as a granary, storage facility, and meat processing plant. This inappropriate usage accelerated its decay, leading to the collapse of the northern parts of the structure in 1981. Following the Romanian Revolution, the castle was abandoned entirely. Although it remains a site of historical importance, the ruins are currently in a perilous state, representing a fragile link to Transylvania's complex past.