Fortress of Deva

The Fortress of Deva, or Cetatea Devei in Romanian, is a thick-walled 13th-century castle atop a volcanic hill in the Transylvanian city Deva. As the capital city of the Hunedoara County, Deva is also home to several of Romania’s highest-profile heritage tourism sites; Corvin Castle in the Hunedoara city and the Dacian Fortresses of the Orăștie Mountains.

Cetatea Deva, while not as well-preserved as Corvin Castle or holding the World Heritage provenance of the Dacian Fortresses, represents another worthwhile medieval site visit for those traveling Transylvania by road or rail. It also offers a more low-key heritage tourism experience than some of its more famous neighbors. The citadel is part of a public park, meaning visitors can wander in and explore at their own pace. There’s a small funicular on one side that takes you the whole way up the hill to the citadel.

Alternatively, follow a snaking path up that takes you in through the fortress’ main gates. The walls of the citadel all stand as they were built, but most of the wooden structures are gone. A restoration project has been finalized.