Matthias Corvinus House, Cluj-Napoca

The Matthias Corvinus House is one of Cluj-Napoca's most historically significant buildings, dating back to the 15th century. Originally constructed as a small guesthouse, this Gothic structure has played various roles throughout its long history, serving as a jail, hospital, and museum. Today, it houses a visual arts institute, continuing its tradition of being a place of importance in the city's cultural life.

This building is particularly renowned as the birthplace of Matthias Corvinus, the son of John Hunyadi, a legendary Transylvanian warrior. Matthias Corvinus, the Voivode of Transylvania, who would later rise to become one of Hungary's most celebrated kings, was born in this building on February 23, 1443. At that time, the house belonged to Jakab (James) Méhffi, a prosperous wine-grower and merchant in the city. On September 28, 1467, King Matthias granted a tax and duty exemption privilege to all descendants of the Méhffi family, who owned the building.

Over the centuries, the Matthias Corvinus House has undergone several transformations, reflecting the evolving architectural styles and needs of the times. It has been a college and has housed ethnographic collections of the Transylvanian Carpathian Society. Despite these changes, the building retains its Gothic roots, serving as a physical reminder of the city's rich past and its connection to significant historical figures.