World Heritage / Cultural Heritage
Dacian Fortresses of the Orastie Mountains
Info Sections
About the site
Country: Romania, Alba and Hunedoara
Type: Ancient Site, Fortress
Epoch: Antiquity
Theme: Antiquity
World Heritage: Cultural Heritage
Built in the 1st centuries BC and AD under Dacian rule, these fortresses show an unusual fusion of military and religious architectural techniques and concepts from the classical world and the late European Iron Age. The six defensive works, the nucleus of the Dacian Kingdom, were conquered by the Romans at the beginning of the 2nd century AD; their extensive and well-preserved remains stand in spectacular natural surroundings and give a dramatic picture of a vigorous and innovative civilization.
UNESCO
Dacian Citadell Sarmizegetusa Regia
The most important Dacian strongholds from king Decebal times and shortly before (the Ist century B.C. – 106 A.C.). Sarmizegetusa Regia was the Capital of Dacia in the king Decebalus’ time and is located, as the other fortifications, in the Orastie Mountains at 1,200 m altitude. The stone walls, the terraces, the ruins of the gates, and especially the vestiges of the stone Dacian sanctuars are still visible. Listed as a group in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999.
Expert Network
Read more about Dacian Fortresses of the Orastie Mountains at the Unesco World Heritage List.