Add a review about the fortress of Alba-Julia

Alba-Julia is one of the most ancient cities of not only the historical region of Transylvania, but the whole of Romania, whose history dates back to ancient times. Moreover, more recently, on the territory of the city, during the archaeological excavations, the first letters in the world were found, indicating that the most ancient people lived here thousands of years ago. Excavations here are still ongoing, and archaeologists are constantly finding something new - so many here are superimposed on each other's historical layers.

The visiting card of the city and one of the most visited tourist sites is the fortress of the same name Alba Iulia - fortifications in form of a star with a lot of rays. Although the route of excursions in Alba-Julia is called the route of the three fortresses, you will be offered to visit the ruins of Roman Castrum, where excavations, the medieval fortification we mentioned above, and Alba-Carolina fort, almost completely restored to date .

Excavations in Alba-Yulia are ongoing to this day, and archaeologists are constantly finding something new - so many here are superimposed on each other's historical layers.

Three different fortresses are three epochs. The first obvious evidence of the existence of the settlement on this site is associated with the militant tribe of the Dacians, which was eventually captured by the Romans. The Roman legion moved here in order to control the extraction of gold on these lands and its transportation to Rome. Later, Alba-Julia became the center of the Romanian principality, and in 1600 - the capital of the three united Mihai Brave principalities: Transylvania, Wallachia and Moldova.

The fortress, whose walls were made in the unusual shape of the star, was built in 1714-1738 after Transylvania became part of the Austrian Empire. The fortress plan was compiled by the Italian architect for the designs of the French military engineer Vauban, which is why it is often called a fortress in the Vobanov style. The walls of the fortress protect the territory of 70 hectares - this is the whole historical part of the city together with a beautiful medieval cathedral.

Alba-Julia Fortress

Inside the fortress walls is worth visiting the Orthodox Monastery and the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. Michael, the palace of the princes with the chambers of the archbishop and even the university and the first library in Transylvania, opened in 1780. The Museum of Unification, which is inherently local history and tells the history of Romania from ancient times deserves special attention.

The fortress is an inhabited part of the city ode, and therefore it is not difficult to visit tourists at any time.

The entrance to the cathedrals and churches is free, and the entrance fee to the Unification Museum (opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00) must be clarified in advance . It is best, of course, to visit the route of the three fortresses with a group excursion and an experienced guide.

Getting to the city of Alba Iulia is also easy: at the local railway station international trains stop from Budapest, Prague and Vienna. And local trains from Bucharest, Timisoara, Cluj-Napoca - go here several times a day.

Address: Romania, Alba-Julia, Cetate, Zorilor Str. Bl. Columna, 10B.