Cultural Corridors of South East Europe

World Heritage / Cultural Heritage

Dacian Fortresses of the Orastie Mountains

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Dacian Fortresses of the Orastie Mountains

About the site


Corridor: Western Trans-Balkan Road
Country: Romania, Alba and Hunedoara
Type: Ancient Site, Fortress
Epoch: Antiquity
Theme: Antiquity
World Heritage: Cultural Heritage
AntiquityAntiquityAncient SiteFortressCultural 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.

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