If we follow the Maros further, down-stream, we arrive at Deva, a pretty town, dominated by a trachite peak, on which we see the ruins of an ancient fortress. At Piski, a short side-line branching off the main line, leads to Vajda-hunyad Here stands one of the most beautiful of Hungarian Castles, that of the celebrated conqueror of the Turks, John Hunyady (died 1456). The Gothic building, with the superb Knights' Hall, was erected by Hunyady; the other parts in Renaissance style, were added under King Matthias Corvinus (in 1486) and Prince Gabriel Bethlen (1619--1624). The Castle has suffered much through lightning and fire, but it has been restored recently, by Emerich Steindl, at the cost of the State.

Another branch line leads from Piski to the important mining town, Petrozseny, from where one can visit the Zsil Valley and Mount Retyezat (2417 meters). This alpine mountain, with its beautiful lakes, is still difficult of ascent, but tourists will not regret their trouble.

The County of Hunyad and the neighbouring counties, are peopled principally by Romanians or Wallachians, originally of the Balkans; they established themselves in this country, in the 12th or 13th Century, first acting as shepherds, and then as serfs and domestics. They are very sober people, but idle and vindictive. Besides shepherding, which was their original occupation, they carry on cattle breeding, and a rather primitive agriculture.

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Adapted from Illustrated Description of Hungary and its Capital