Since the begining of time those who lived on the teritorry of today's Romania had to find ways of protecting themselves from foreign invasion. The six defensive fortresses (Sarmizegetusa, Blidaru, Piatra Roşie, Costeşti, Căpâlna and Baniţa), the nucleus of the Dacian Kingdom werre built mainly to serve as an efficient defense against the Romans. However, these fortresses show an astonishing fusion between military, religion and astronomy, this being one of the reasons these sites were listed by UNESCO as world heritage. The Dacians were eventualy conquered by the Romans after two exhausting wars, in 106 AD. However, the remains of the 6 fortresses are well preserved and offer to the visitor to go back in time to the European Iron Age.

Why to go?

Because the Dacian fortresses represent the fusion of techniques and concepts of architecture unique in the world.
Because these sites are the only surviving examples of once powerful culture of pre-Roman Dacian state.

How to go?

Almost all fortresses anre located in mountaineous areas so renting a 4WD is highly recommended.

List of Dacian fortresses in Transylvania

Sarmizegetusa Regia - the capital of the Dacian kingdom, Hunedoara county.
The Dacian citadel of Costesti-Cetatuie, Hunedoara county.
The Dacian citadel of Costesti-Blidaru, Hunedoara county.
The Dacian citadel of Luncani-Piatra Rosie, Hunedoara county.
The Dacian citadel of Banita, Hunedoara county.
The Dacian citadel of Capâlna, Alba County.

Other world heritage sites in Romania