» One Day In Transylvania

Transylvania is a magic land. Above all, it is magical because of its diversity, then because of its history, and finally because of its people.

This one-day trip will take you to the southwestern part of Transylvania. First, you will see the ruins of an ancient Roman city, then you will witness one of the oldest and strangest churches in Romania. The second part of the day will take you to see a very picturesque Gothic castle and, for the grand finale, the ruins of a Middle Ages fortress set on the top of a volcanic hill.

We depart from Timisoara around 8:00 AM. After we cross the Carpathians, we will arrive in Ulpia Traiana Augusta Dacica Sarmizegetusa—this was the full name of the ancient capital built by the Romans at the beginning of the 2nd century after they conquered more than half of today’s Romania. We will see the ruins of the ancient amphitheater and the ruins of the city, and we will visit the small museum holding a lot of the objects excavated here.

The second stop is Densus. Here we’ll visit St. Nicholas’ Church, one of the oldest and oddest in Romania. If the priest is around, we’ll also visit the church inside.

The next stop is Hunedoara, the hometown of Joannes Corvinus (Ioan de Hunedoara). In the 15th century, he was the governor of Transylvania, an important military leader, and the greatest fighter against the Ottomans of his time. His castle is the biggest Gothic civil building in southeastern Europe. We’ll have the opportunity to visit Corvins’ Castle, from the council room to the torture chamber.

The last stop is in Deva, to see the ruins of the fortress set on the top of a volcanic hill. The view from the fortress is remarkable.

Don’t forget your walking shoes, comfortable clothes, and your good mood.