Matthias Corvinus House is one of the oldest and most historically significant buildings in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Built in the 15th century in Gothic style, it originally served as a guesthouse and later became the birthplace of Matthias Corvinus, the celebrated King of Hungary. The house belonged to Jakab Méhffi, a wealthy wine merchant, and it was here that Queen Elisabeta gave birth to Matthias in 1443. In gratitude, Matthias later issued a decree exempting the house from taxes—a privilege honored by successive Hungarian monarchs.
Over the centuries, the building underwent various transformations, reflecting the city's dynamic history. It has served as a jail, a hospital, and a museum, adapting to the needs of Cluj-Napoca through different eras. Despite these changes, the house has retained its Gothic character, most notably in its ogival entrance and stone architecture. Today, it stands as a testament to medieval craftsmanship and civic pride, located on Matei Corvin Street, near other historical landmarks in the city center.
Currently, Matthias Corvinus House hosts the Visual Arts Institute of Cluj-Napoca, continuing its legacy as a center of culture and education. Its role as both a historical monument and a living institution makes it a unique destination for visitors interested in Transylvanian heritage. The building’s layered past—royal birth, civic service, and artistic renewal—embodies the spirit of Cluj-Napoca as a city where history and creativity intersect.
Facade of the Matthias Corvinus House |
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