The Șoimoș Fortress in the Mureș Valley

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Published on June 13, 2022 by Zoltan Nyaradi

The Șoimoș Fortress can be found near the small Romanian town of Lipova, Arad county. In order to explore the ruins of the fortress you’ll have to make a small hike on a steep path because the fortress was build on the top of a larger hill. The path to the Șoimoș Fortress starts after an abandoned house which is located next to the main road, right at the outskirts of the Șoimoș village. Usually this hike will take approximately 30 minutes including a couple of short stops.

The Șoimoș Fortress was built in the 18th century and in 1552 it was occupied by the Ottomans who turned this place into a military base. Unfortunately in 1788 the entire fortress was abandoned. Despite that its abandoned, it is still visited by a lot of tourists.

The Mureș Valley

Once you reach the fortress, a large part of the Mureș Valley is visible from up there, including the Mureș river. You can even spot the Maria Radna Monastery’s church towers and the locality of Radna.

The Mureș Valley seen from the fortress.
Maria Radna Monastery’s church towers, view from the Soimos fortress.

Interior of the Șoimoș Fortress

Once you enter the fortress, besides some ruins there is nothing else to see. You can just simply imagine how this place looked like when it was inhabited.

Ruins inside the Șoimoș Fortress.
Supporting elements built in order to sustain the ruins.
Ruins in the fortress.
Old arches which are still standing
Small path next to the fotress

In front of the fortress

There is a small path which will take you right in front of the fortress. From there, you can admire and photograph the entire Șoimoș fortress.

The Șoimoș Fortress and the Mureș Valley.

Below you will see the view of the Mureș Valley. On the left side of the Mureș river there is the city of Lipova and on the right side is Radna.

The city of Lipova and Radna.

What to visit near the Șoimoș Fortress

  • The Șiria Fortress – this is another old fortress located 30 km away from this place in the Zarand Mountains.
  • Maria Radna Monastery – this monastery is actually very close to the Șoimoș Fortress and you should check it out especially if you are in the area.
  • The Săvârșin Castle – if you plan to drive in the Mureș valley towards Deva then you can plan a short stop at the former residence of King Michael of Romania in Săvârșin.