• The Rupea Fortress In Romania

    The Rupea Fortress In Romania

    The Rupea fortress is located in the heart of the historical region of Transylvania, Romania. Since it was built on a larger cliff close to the city of Rupea, it is visible from every direction and you cannot miss it if you plan to visit it. There is even a larger parking lot next to entrance where you can leave your car while you are visiting this place.

    After you enter into the citadel, then you should know that this medieval citadel is actually divided into three so fortresses. The lower part where the entrance is can be found is called the Lower fortress, the middle part is called the Middle fortress and lastly, the upper part of the Rupea fortress is called the Upper fortress.

    Rupea Fortress finds its roots in the 13th century and it was ultimately left deserted in 1790 following a destructive storm that wreaked havoc on the building’s roofs. During the centuries, it offered multiple times refuge and protection for the people living nearby. Today the buildings give us a peek into what life was like inside the fortress many years ago.

    Getting There

    Rupea is easily accessible from major Romanian cities like Brasov, Sibiu, and Cluj-Napoca. Once you arrive in Rupea, a short drive up the hill will lead you to this historical gem. It’s actually very close to E60 which is the main road coming from Brasov and going towards the medieval city of Sighisoara.

    The Lower Fortress

    After you entered through the main gate, the courtyard of the Lower fortress awaits you.

    The entrance into Rupea citadel.
    The Rupea fortress as it is seen from under the Gate Tower.
    The Dawn fortress and a path which leads to the Upper fortress.
    The path towards the Middle fortress

    The Middle Fortress

    While visting the Middle fortress, we decided to explore the Scouts Tower which was built in the 15th century. This building has loopholes on all the three sides of the building.

    The Scouts Tower.
    The Scouts Tower in the Middle fortress

    The Upper Fortress

    Rupea Fortress has really big stone walls that show off how people built things in medieval times. The walls and towers are still in great shape, and they’re amazing examples of engineering. Plus, you can see the beautiful countryside from up there, including the entire city of Rupea as well. The view is breathtaking.

    Old buildings in the Upper fortress.
    Buildings in the Upper fortress.
    The city of Rupea in the winter captured from the highest point in the citadel.
    The city of Rupea.
    The Romanian flag hanging on the highest building in the citadel.
    Small building on the highest point of the fortress.
    Path covered with snow within the ruins of the fortress.
    A path leading towards the Middle fortress next to the fortification walls
    Large rocks and the defense wall.
    Fortification walls built on the cliff.

    The road towards Rupea Fortress

    Below you will see the fortress and the main road leading to it.

    The Rupea citadel and the main road which leads to the entrance into the citadel.
    The Rupea fortress.

    What else you can visit after Rupea

    You actually have multiple places that you can visit. Below I you will find a couple of examples:

    • Not very far Rupea, you can will find the old medieval citadel of Sighișoara which is another important landmark in the historical region of Transylvania.
    • On your way to Sighisoara, you can make a short stop in Saschiz and visit the beautiful fortified church.
    • You can explore the beautiful village of Viscri and the old fortified church.
    • Racos is another place that you definitely must visit. Here you will have the chance to visit the old volcano and the emerald lake.
  • Exploring the Ruins of Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa

    Exploring the Ruins of Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa

    On my way back from Gura Apelor which is located about 30 km from Sarmizegetusa in the Retezat Mountains, I decided to stop by the ancient Roman ruins of Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa. If you’re traveling by car, there’s a large parking lot right off the main road from Hateg to Caransebes, where you can park while you explore the ruins. The main entrance is conveniently located next to the parking area.

    About Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa

    The ruins of Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa can be found in the Romanian commune of Sarmizegetusa, Hunedoara county. The ancient city offers a window into the grandeur and legacy of the Roman Empire. Founded in the 2nd century AD by the Emperor Trajan, Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa was a significant center of commerce, culture, and military power in the region for over 300 years. Today, the ruins of this once-thriving metropolis provide a fascinating glimpse into the heart of ancient Roman civilization.

    One of the most remarkable features of Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa is its strategic location. The city was situated at the intersection of several key trade routes, making it a hub of commerce and exchange for goods, ideas, and people. Its position also made it an important military stronghold, as it controlled access to the surrounding territories and provided a strategic vantage point for defending against invasions.

    The Forum

    The most prominent structure in the city was the Forum, a grand public space that served as the center of political, social, and cultural life.

    The Forum in Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa.
    The Forum with the Retezat Mountains in the background.
    Ruins near the Forum.

    Domus Procuratoris

    This was the palace of the Financial Procurator of the Province Dacia. You will find the former palace if you follow the main path from the entrance towards the forum.

    The Domus Procuratoris

    The Amphitheater

    Other notable structures in Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa include the Amphitheater, which could seat up to 5,000 spectators for gladiatorial games and other spectacles. When I visited this place, the Amphitheater was closed to the public due constructions.

    The Amphitheater
    Ruins with the Amphitheater in the background.

    The Great Temple

    The most impressive religious structure in Roman Dacia was the Great Temple. The only structure still standing from the Roman period that I could see was a single Roman column. This column likely marked the entrance to what was once the Great Temple. Standing tall among the ruins, it gave a glimpse into the grandeur of the ancient site.

    The Great Temple

    Other archeological site

    One of the surprising discoveries in Sarmizegetusa is the presence of an ancient glass workshop, something I never expected to find here. Among the popular historical sites, this workshop stands out as unique. According to archaeologists, remains of five furnaces were uncovered in two rooms, revealing that they were once used for glass production.

    Other archeological sites.
    Ruins with the parking lot in the background.

    Aside from its architectural marvels, Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa was also a center of intellectual and artistic activity. Excavations have uncovered numerous sculptures, inscriptions, and other artifacts that offer insights into the daily life and beliefs of the people who lived in the city

    Despite its rich history and significance, Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa was largely forgotten for centuries after its decline and eventual abandonment in the 5th century AD. It was not until the 19th century that scholars and archaeologists began to explore and excavate the ruins, uncovering the city’s fascinating past and legacy.

    Its ruins offer a unique and enriching experience for visitors who wish to explore the ancient history and culture of the Roman Empire. The site is a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the world’s greatest civilizations, and a reminder of the importance of preserving and studying our shared human heritage.

    Sarmizegetusa Regia

    Another popular spot to visit nearby is Sarmizegetusa Regia, the ancient Dacian capital during Roman times. Located about 77 km from Sarmizegetusa, the ruins of this historic site lie in the Orastie Mountains. Sarmizegetusa Regia was once the heart of Dacian culture and power, especially before the Roman conquest. The site is filled with remnants of Dacian fortifications, temples, and ancient structures, all set against the scenic mountain backdrop.

  • The Gura Apelor Lake In The Retezat Mountains

    The Gura Apelor Lake In The Retezat Mountains

    After driving a few hours from Timisoara, I finally arrived at Gura Apelor. The drive from the village of Clopotiva to the dam is full of sharp curves, so be sure to take it slow and stay alert. As you get closer to the dam, the road hugs steep cliffs, and you’ll likely encounter rocks that have fallen onto the road in several places. This makes it even more important to drive cautiously.

    About the lake

    Gura Apelor lake, also known as Lacul Gura Apei, is a hidden gem located in the heart of the Retezat Mountains in Romania. This lake can be found about 40 km away from the small Romanian city of Hateg. To those who don’t know, the Retezat Mountains are a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers. However, despite its natural beauty and stunning vistas, Gura Apelor lake remains relatively unknown to many tourists, making it a perfect spot for those seeking a quieter and more intimate experience.

    The lake is surrounded by several hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging, that offer stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

    In addition to its natural beauty, Gura Apelor Artificial lake is also a significant source of hydroelectric power for the region. The lake’s dam generates electricity for the surrounding towns and cities, making it an essential infrastructure asset for the region’s development.

    The Retezat Mountains viewed from the dam.
    The Gura Apelor lake between the Retezat Mountains.
    A part of the Retezat Mountains.
    The valley behind the dam.

    I visited Gura Apelor in early April and I have included an Instagram video below to show what it was like. Down in the valley, the weather was warm and pleasant, but as you head higher into the Retezat Mountains, you’ll find the conditions can change quickly. That day, the weather turned foggy as we arrived, and a light rain began to fall. Higher up on the surrounding mountains, patches of snow were still visible from winter.

    Five places to visit in the Hateg region

    On your way back from Gura Apelor, there are many interesting places that you can visit in the Hateg region which is known for its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and unique attractions. Below I highlighted a couple of them:

    1. Corvin Castle – One of the most impressive castles in Europe, Corvin Castle, also known as Hunyadi Castle, is a stunning Gothic-Renaissance fortress located in Hunedoara. It has a long and fascinating history dating back to the 14th century, and it is surrounded by picturesque scenery.
    2. Densus Church – This ancient church is one of the oldest Christian buildings in Romania, dating back to the 13th century.
    3. Dacian Fortresses – The Hateg region is home to several Dacian fortresses, including Blidaru, Costesti, and Sarmizegetusa Regia. These ancient fortifications were built by the Dacians more than 2,000 years ago and are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    4. Deva Fortress – This medieval fortress, perched on a hill overlooking the city of Deva, is a must-see attraction in the Hateg region. The fortress dates back to the 13th century and has played a significant role in Transylvania’s history.
    5. Sarmizegetusa Ulpia Traiana – This ancient Roman city was once the capital of the Roman province of Dacia and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the ruins of the city’s public buildings, temples, and residential areas and learn about life in ancient times.