Sarmizegetusa Regia

Sarmizegetusa Regia was the capital and the most important military, religious, and political center of the Dacian Kingdom prior to the Roman conquest. Located in the Orăștie Mountains at an elevation of 1,200 meters, it served as the core of a sophisticated defensive system comprising six hilltop fortresses. The archaeological site is divided into three main sectors: the fortress itself, the sacred precinct, and the civilian settlements built on artificial terraces. The sacred area is particularly renowned for its monumental temples and the great circular andesite calendar, which provides evidence of the Dacians' advanced understanding of astronomy and mathematics. Following Emperor Trajan's conquest in 106 AD, the city was systematically dismantled, leading the Romans to establish a new capital, Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa, 40 kilometers away. Since 1999, Sarmizegetusa Regia has been a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized as one of Southeast Europe's most significant archaeological landmarks. Artifacts found here, such as ornate gold bracelets, testify to a high level of craftsmanship and a complex societal structure.

Nearby cities

Hunedoara

Town of the Corvin Castle.

Deva

Deva is the capital of Hunedoara County.

Petroșani

Center of the Jiu Valley.

Petrila

Petrila is a historic mining town in the Jiu Valley, nestled at the foot of the Parâng Mountains in Hunedoara County.

Orăștie

Orăștie is a historic municipality in Hunedoara County, Western Romania, originally established as one of the major seats of the Transylv…

Vulcan

Vulcan is a significant mining city located in the Jiu Valley, Hunedoara County, surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Vâlcan and Retezat…

Brad

Brad is a historic mining town located in Hunedoara County, Western Romania, situated in the scenic depression of the Crișul Alb River.

Simeria

Simeria is a town in Hunedoara County, Transylvania, primarily known as one of Romania's most vital railway hubs.

Călan

Călan is a town in Hunedoara County, Transylvania, uniquely characterized by its duality of ancient Roman heritage and heavy industrial h…

Hațeg

Hațeg is a picturesque town in Hunedoara County, nestled in the historic Hațeg Basin (Țara Hațegului), a region celebrated for its profou…

Uricani

Uricani is a town located in Hunedoara County, at the western end of the Jiu Valley mining region.

Geoagiu

Geoagiu is a historic town in Hunedoara County, Transylvania, famously known for its thermal spa resort, Geoagiu-Băi.

History & landmarks

Sărmizegetusa Regia

The ancient capital and sacred center of the Dacian Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Orăștie Mountains.

Corvin Castle

One of the largest and most impressive Gothic-Renaissance castles in Europe, former residence of the Hunyadi family.

Deva Fortress

Medieval fortress high above the city of Deva, which played an important strategic role in Transylvania.

Retezat National Park

Romania's oldest national park (1935).

Nature

Curcubăta Mare Peak

Curcubăta Mare is the highest summit of the Bihor Mountains and the entire Apuseni group.

More places

Corvin Castle

Late Gothic castle of the Hunyadi family.

Densuș Church

One of Romania's oldest stone churches, built from Roman spolia.

Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa

Capital of the Roman province of Dacia.

Mintia Power Plant

A large thermal power plant playing a significant role in the national grid.

Poiana Ruscă Mountains

A mountain massif rich in minerals and marble deposits.

Bihor Mountains

The Bihor Mountains are part of the Apuseni Mountains in western Romania.