In the footsteps of the Dacians
From the fortresses of the Orăștie Mountains to the Roman baths of Geoagiu-Băi and the capital of Roman Dacia — two days through the county's ancient history.
The route starts in Orăștie, the gateway to the Dacian fortresses, climbs to Sarmizegetusa Regia and on the second day moves on to the Roman period: Geoagiu-Băi, Deva and Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa.
Day 1 — The Dacian fortresses
- Dacian Fortresses Area Historic zone · North
The Orăștie Mountains — the fortified core of the Dacian Kingdom, UNESCO heritage since 1999.
- Orăștie Medieval Citadel optional Medieval fortress · Orăștie
A 12th-century Saxon fortification, reopened to the public in 2024 after three years of restoration.
- Sarmizegetusa Regia UNESCO archaeological site · Orăștie Mountains
The capital of the Dacian kingdom, on a 1,200 m summit — UNESCO World Heritage since 1999.
- Podul Gerosu – Fețele Albe Fortress trail optional Mountain hiking · Șureanu Mountains
The shortest marked trail in the Dacian fortress area, to the lesser-visited Fețele Albe ruins.
Duration: about 3 hours
Day 2 — The Roman period
- Germisara Roman Baths Roman archaeological site · Geoagiu
The Roman baths of Geoagiu-Băi, with pools cut into the rock, where gold offerings were made to the deities of the warm springs.
- Museum of Dacian and Roman Civilisation — Magna Curia Museum · Deva
The baroque Magna Curia palace, in central Deva, houses the history collections of the Museum of Dacian and Roman Civilisation and a lapidarium with over a hundred archaeological pieces.
- Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa Roman archaeological site · Hațeg Country
The capital of Roman Dacia, founded after the conquest of 106 AD — forum, amphitheatre and temples in the village of Sarmizegetusa.
Where to eat or stay
- Pensiunea Jorja Accommodation · Orăștie
- Bistro Merinde Restaurant · Orăștie
- Pensiunea Sarmis Accommodation · Sarmizegetusa
The itineraries are indicative and only use the information in the guide. They do not include distances or travel times between stops. Check opening hours and prices before you go.
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- Zarand Country: gold, history and thermal waters
- Hațeg Country: castles, stone churches and Sarmizegetusa
- Simeria, Vețel and the wooden churches along the Mureș
- Geoagiu-Băi and Aurel Vlaicu's village