Castles and Fortresses of Romania
BRAN CASTLE
Village of Bran - 30 km southwest of Brașov / Brașov County
Beyond the legends of Dracula, Bran Castle is a stupendous landmark, rising between the ridges of the Carpathians, along an old road between Wallachia and Transylvania. Standing before the mighty walls and towers that seem to grow from the rocky outcrop, we might expect dragons flying about and knights watching the valley from the ramparts. Probably one of the most iconic and popular destinations of Romania, the castle of Bran has become a symbol for travelers coming from around the world to meet the mythical count Dracula or discover the lasting memory of Queen Mary of Romania.
PELEȘ CASTLE
Town of Sinaia - 130 km north of Bucharest / Prahova County
The magnificent symbol of Romanian royalty and one of the most alluring castles of the world, Peleș appears to us like a magical illusion in the middle of the Carpathian woodland. Equally enticing and graceful both on the outside and the inside, the castle itself and the surrounding grounds create a fairytale experience where we can discover the treasures and stories of the royal Romanian legacy. The castle of Peleș rises at the foot of Bucegi Mountains, in a small meadow surrounded by forests. For many years, it was the favorite summer residence of the Romanian royal family and today it houses the Peleș National Museum.
Sighișoara Citadel
Town of Sighișoara - central Transylvania / Mureș County
Countless stories and legends are hidden on the cobblestone alleys, through the colorful little houses and among the towers of the old fortress, a magical place that stirs deep emotions, existing beyond time. Modern civilizations seem to stop before the walls of the citadel that withstands as one of the last permanently inhabited medieval fortresses. According to UNESCO, Sighișoara is an outstanding testimony to the culture of the Transylvanian Saxons, a culture that is beginning to fade after 850 years and will continue to exist only through its architectural and urban monuments. Today, the citadel of Sighișoara silently endures above the new city, its enchanting streets being invaded by tourists for at least half a year.
Corvins CASTLE
City of Hunedoara - southwestern Transylvania / Hunedoara County
The first sight of the castle is also the most lasting, with its massive silhouette rising atop a solitary cliff, with the long bridge over a deep ravine and its strong towers breaching the sky. If it was not for the gloomy modern buildings around, we might even get carried away into the past, expecting mounted knights to appear over the bridge. One of the most impressive medieval castles in Europe, it is a truly magnificent monument that stood the test of time for over five centuries to tell countless stories of great leaders and legendary battles. It was built starting with the 15th century, upon the ruins of an older, 14th century fortress.
Alba Carolina FOrtress
City of Alba Iulia - southwestern Transylvania / Alba County
The tale of Alba Iulia is one of three fortresses built on top of the previous, going back at least two millennia and today offering us the chance for an unforgettable cultural experience. The oldest and largest in Romania, it is also one of the most spectacular Vauban fortresses in the world. Former capital of the Principality of Transylvania and developed around the medieval Alba Carolina Citadel, Alba Iulia is also the city of the Great Union of Romania in 1918. The complex includes three series of fortifications, with a distinct star shape in seven corners that house the strong bastions, each with its own name.
Râșnov Fortress
Town of Râșnov - 20 km southwest of Brașov / Brașov County
Guardian and refuge during dark times, the fortress built by the ancestors of local peasants has endured the passing of time and still rises proud from its steep rock at the foot of the mountains, with the old walls and towers embracing the little medieval houses and workshops within. One of the oldest settlements in this part of the country, Râșnov was first mentioned in 1331 and became a town in 1427. The inhabitants of the medieval town began building the fortress on top of the steep hill during the 14th century. It is the best preserved peasant fortress of Transylvania and withstood various attacks and sieges, being occupied just once without a fight.
Mogoșoaia Palace
Mogoșoaia Village - 15 km northwest of Bucharest / Ilfov County
Bearing the marks of its troubled past, this magnificent architectural jewel once hosted lavish feasts and remarkable guests from Romania and beyond. A favorite weekend getaway for the people of Bucharest, the old palace is alive once again, this time boasting with children’s laughter and the whispers of lovers strolling its alleys. The palace of Mogoșoaia and its extensive domain sits on the shore of a splendid lake. We can thus discover a piece of the past by visiting this architectural jewel dating from the beginning of the 18th century and built by Constantin Brâncoveanu, ruler of Wallachia.
Făgăraș Fortress
City of Făgăraș - 70 km west of Brașov / Brașov County
Exceptionally preserved and masterfully restored in the last years, the massive walls of the fortress are mirrored into the surrounding water moat. One of the oldest and most impressive fortresses in Transylvania, the medieval fortress Făgăraș was built starting from 1310 over an older fortification, in order to protect the southern border of Transylvania. The imposing brick walls of the fortress protect the inner courtyard and castle, with four bastions on its corners. The inner complex has over 60 rooms and spaces, many of which can be visited within the Land of Făgăraș Museum experience.
Deva Fortress
City of Deva - southwestern Transylvania / Hunedoara County
Seemingly floating above the valley of Mureș from its solitary rock that rises at the core of the modern city, the fortress guarding the gates of Transylvania for seven centuries offers today an exciting journey into the past of the region and spectacular views of the surrounding area. It was built by the king of Hungary Bela IV in the 12th century after the great Tatar invasion. Still, there are archaeological finds that attest the existence of an even older fortification on this spot. Perched on top of a volcanic rock that rises almost 400 meters above the valley of Mureș river, it became the residence of the Transylvanian princes and the Hunedoara counts.
Rupea Fortress
Town of Rupea - 50 km north of Brașov / Brașov County
Once completely ruined and abandoned, the majestic fortress of Rupea rises once again above the surrounding hills. We can now see the old fortress returned to its former glory, guarding the road between Brașov and Sighișoara. Enveloping a tall hill like the shell of a giant snail, the ramparts of Rupea Fortress dominate the surrounding region in southeastern Transylvania. We can spot the imposing silhouette of the stronghold from afar, located close to the European road that passes close to the village of Rupea. The sight of the Rupea Fortress driving by and the panoramas from within towards the surrounding hills are truly spectacular.
Poienari Fortress
Village of Căpățânenii Ungureni (Arefu) - Transfăgărășan Road / Argeș County
The towering peaks of the Carpathians breach the horizon from all sides as we reach the solitary rock where the ruins of the old Poienari Fortress still stand. The legendary second residence of Vlad the Impaler is perched on a steep ridge, some 400 meters above the valley, right next to the famous Transfăgărășan Road. Surrounded by mesmerizing legends, the medieval fortress used to include a keep surrounded by walls and strong towers, guarding this road through the mountains, but also offering refuge to its dwellers.
Feldioara Fortress
Village of Feldioara - 20 km north of Brașov / Brașov County
Rising above the charming valley of the Olt River, the rural fortress of Feldioara was first built by the Teutonic Knights and continually rebuilt by the Saxon community, adding strong stone walls and towers. The monument we admire today is the result of a long renovation process that completely transformed the forgotten ruins. It is now possible to walk through the old courtyard and along its walls, admiring the panoramas and discovering a few stories and facts about the past of the fortress. The village also features an impressive fortified church that dates back to the 13th century.
Pelișor Castle
Town of Sinaia - 130 km north of Bucharest / Prahova County
A short walk from the more famous Peleș Castle, its smaller brother of Pelișor is equally enticing and fascinating. It was built between 1899 and 1902, envisioned as a gift for the royal heirs to the crown, the future King Ferdinand and Queen Marie. Built by the same Czech architect as Peleș Castle in an art nouveau style, the castle bears many artistic choices made by Marie of Romania herself. We can visit some of the most beautiful and impressive spaces inside of Pelișor Castle, including the offices of King Ferdinand and Queen Marie, the Hall of Honor, the Golden Bedroom or the Golden Room with its surprising golden thistle stucco tapestry, the symbol of the queen’s birthplace of Scotland.
Târgoviște Royal Court
City of Târgoviște - 80 km northwest of Bucharest / Dâmbovița County
Located right in the center of the modern city, the historical complex was attested from the end of the 14th century, when it represented the heart of Wallachia as a medieval province, with some of the most famous rulers in the history of Romania having their residence here. Today, the complex is only a shadow of its former glory, with many of the structures being abandoned from the 18th century and decaying over the years. The Princely Palace was rebuilt and expanded several times through the centuries, yet today only its ruins remain as a result of historical events, neglect and natural hazards. Right next to the palace, the superb Chindia Tower was probably a fortress keep and is in a much better shape. On the other side of the palace, the Great Princely Church was built by Petru Cercel and was once the largest religious building in Wallachia. There are also other structures inside the complex that are worth discovering.
Sarmizegetusa Regia
Village of Grădiștea de Munte - southwestern Transylvania / Hunedoara County
The ancient capital of the Dacian Kingdom lies hidden away deep in the mountains of southern Transylvania, surrounded by magical valleys and charming woodland. Once a magnificent city and fortress, Sarmizegetusa was quite developed for its times, with impressive structures and defensive systems, as well as a highly evolved social and cultural life. It was destroyed and abandoned after the conquest of Dacia, yet it still tells the story of a formidable stronghold. We can wander around the ruins, admiring the old walls and temples, learning about its past and treasures.
Orăștie Fortress
Town of Orăștie - Southwestern Transylvania / Hunedoara County
Recently open for visitors after a long renovation process, the medieval fortress of Orăștie makes for an incredible experience. Resembling more like a larger fortified church, the complex includes a small courtyard surrounded by walls and strong towers. At its center, two large churches rise towards the sky, the gothic Calvin Reformed Church being built starting with the 14th century, while the adjoining Evangelical Lutheran Church was erected at the beginning of the 19th century. Inside the courtyard we can also find the ruins of a much older structure, a circular chapel that is thought to be about a millennia old and one of the oldest in the country.
Cantacuzino Castle
Town of Bușteni - 40 km south of Brașov / Prahova County
Known today more as a movie set than a marvelous architectural jewel, the Cantacuzino Castle is rather more of a palace by function. Built by an extremely wealthy prince on its hunting grounds close to the royal domain of Peleș, the castle offers stupendous views of the Bucegi Mountains in central Romania. Though the exterior is quite pleasing, especially given the views, the interior was once extraordinary, still preserving some of its former treasures, like the Murano stained glass, Carrara marble staircase, oak furniture or decorative frescoes. Built in neo-Romanian style, the castle lost many of its works of art during the Communist regime.
Sarmizegetusa Ulpia
Village of Sarmizegetusa - southwestern Transylvania / Hunedoara County
The legendary capital of the Roman province of Dacia still guards the western gates of Transylvania, though its days of glory are long gone. Built two millennia ago, after the conquest of Dacia by emperor Trajan, it must have been an impressive sight during its heyday, with its strong walls, temples, agora, workshops and other structures. Housing as much as 20.000 people once completed, the Roman fortress makes for a fascinating experience today, the archaeological complex including the ruins of many interesting buildings, while the nearby museum presents some of the treasures found within.
Severin Fortress
City of Drobeta Turnu Severin - southwestern Romania / Mehedinți County
Dating back to the 13 and 14th centuries, the old fortress of Severin sits on the spot of an even older one made of wood and mud. It was built by the Hungarian Kingdom to defend the strategic region on the banks of the Danube and was permanently disputed by the major powers in the area. The stronghold was finally conquered in the 16th century and only a solitary tower remained here. It was once composed of a central keep and a chapel, surrounded by two defensive walls and strong towers. Today, we can admire the completely rehabilitated structure, although at a smaller scale than it once covered.
Enisala Fortress
Village of Enisala - 100 km north of Constanța / Tulcea County
Among the most interesting tourist attractions located close to the Danube Delta, the fortress of Enisala rises on a rocky hill on the western edge of Razim Lake. The picturesque location in a splendid landscape and the long history of this monument increases its magnificence. It is the only fortress established by the Genoese in Romania, being built during the 14th century to defend the commercial roads and sea routes. During those times, the lakes in front were actually a gulf of the Black Sea. Also known as Heracleea or Yeni-Sale, Enisala Fortress still keeps part of its defensive walls and towers, with heights between 5 and 10 meters. From inside the fortress, there is a beautiful panorama over the surrounding area.
Târgu Mureș Fortress
City of Târgu Mureș - central Transylvania / Mureș County
Built on the spot of an older fortification, the medieval fortress of Târgu Mureș lies in the center of the modern city, with pentagonal shape with 5 bastion towers on each corner, as well as the large gate bastion and another two older square towers. Recently renovated, the fortress offers a great opportunity to discover its secrets and history. The Reformed Church within is the oldest monument in the city, being built in the 14th and 15th century as part of the Franciscan monastery. Its gothic tower is 55 meters tall and we can also admire other impressive features inside. There are also other structures within its walls, including a History and Archaeology Museum and the old City Hall.
Brukenthal Palace
Town of Avrig - km east of Sibiu / Sibiu County
Just a few kilometers from the city of Isibu, we can discover the lovely summer residence of baron Samuel von Brukenthal, built starting with the year 1762. The superb complex includes a charming park with an orangerie and the elegant palace made up of a central structure and two smaller wings. Over the years, it went through many changes, once serving as a sanatorium and thermal spa center. Deserted for many years, it has been renovated in the last decade and now hosts lavish private events and unique accommodation spaces. We are truly impressed by the baroque architecture of the palace and its impressive terraced gardens. There is also an old evangelical church nearby that is worth discovering.
Șoimoș Fortress
Town of Lipova - 35 km east of Arad / Arad County
Perched on a rocky outcrop above the valley of Mureș on the road towards Arad, the ruins of a formidable fortress still stand after so many centuries. We have to take on the steep hill in order to get a closer glimpse and wander through its derelict walls, guarding the ruined palace of Queen Isabella. Built around the 13th century in order to protect the area from tatar attacks, it was transformed all the way through the 16th century, when it received bastions and the renaissance princely residence was built. It housed various noble families up until the 18th century, when its military function was lost, the fortress being deserted and overlooked even today.
Colț Fortress
Village of Suseni - southwestern Transylvania / Hunedoara County
Practically a ruin today, the spectacular fortress of Colț must have been pretty impressive once as it supposedly inspired Jules Verne to write the famous book “Castle in the Carpathians”. Perched on a rock at the foot of the Retezat Mountains, the fortress was built during the 14th century by a local ruler. It used to have a square main tower, surrounded by defensive walls and several other towers. While quite small and lacking architectural highlights, the Colț Fortress has a picturesque location and the path to reach it passes through a charming forest. We can also admire the nearby Colț Monastery, located in the valley below and featuring a stone church with a pyramid shaped bell-tower dating from the 15th century.
Câlnic Fortress
Village of Câlnic - 50 km west of Sibiu / Alba County
Among the amazing cultural heritage monuments of Transylvania included in the UNESCO World Heritage, the rural fortress of Câlnic is truly unique. It was originally a noble family residence during the 13th century, including strong defensive walls that protected a massive keep, as well as a moat and towers. During the 16th century, the fortress was expanded by the villagers who bought it in 1430 and built a small chapel, as well as other structures for storage. The entire complex of Câlnic is beautifully preserved, with the keep tower now including a small museum of medieval and traditional art, while the cellar has a small collection of objects related to winemaking.
Mălăiești Fortress
Village of Mălăiești - southwestern Transylvania / Hunedoara County
Located on a small hill in the Land of Hațeg and at the northern foot of the Retezat Mountains, this small rural fortress was built during the 14th century by a noble family to defend the area. It was abandoned starting with the 17th century and gradually ruined in the following years Completely rebuilt without exactly following its authentic architecture, the small yet interesting structure includes a central towerkeep surrounded by a defensive wall and a few smaller towers.
Saschiz Fortress
Village of Saschiz - central Transylvania / Mureș County
A refuge for the nobles of surrounding villages during medieval times, the rural fortress of Saschiz dates back to the 15th century and overlooks its village from the top of the nearby hill. Once fortified with six strong defensive towers, the fortress used to have a deep well that, according to legends, hid a tunnel going to the center of the village. Through the following centuries, after the construction of the fortified church below, the fortress was deserted and lost its importance, finally becoming completely ruined after the Saxon villagers left during the 20th century. The stronghold was completely renovated recently and once again dominates the small valley south of Sighișoara, offering an interesting history lesson and splendid views of the surrounding area.
Slimnic Fortress
Village of Slimnic - 15 km north of Sibiu / Sibiu County
Rising on a small hill in the center of the village, the old fortress of Slimnic (Stolzenburg) used to defend the strategic road in central Transylvania. It was built starting with the 13th century and used to include two fortified courtyards, surrounded by strong walls and a few defense towers. Apart from most of the walls, it still preserves the ruins of a gothic hall church that was never finished, but also a smaller chapel. Some of the fortifications collapsed over the centuries and the ones still standing are in poor condition even today. The village also has a few old churches that are considered historical monuments.
Trascău Fortress
Village of Colțești - 65 km south of Cluj-Napoca / Alba County
Built at the end of the 13th century by a noble from the nearby village, the fortress of Trascău (also known as Colțești) still stands on top of a rocky outcrop at the foot of the Trascău Mountains. It was destroyed at the beginning of the 18th century by the Austrians as punishment against the local noble family that opposed their annexation of Transylvania. Only the ruins of the walls and its two defensive towers are still preserved, although there are plans for restoration works that could bring back some of its former might.