Sarmizegetusa Regia

The capital of ancient Dacia, destroyed by Trajan in 106 AD. This UNESCO site includes circular sanctuaries, fortress walls, and stunning mountain scenery. A pilgrimage to where Rome met Dacia.

What to do there

3 things to do

1. 1 Climb to the Capital Rome Destroyed Adventure · Price: low

   You're climbing to 1200 METERS elevation where Dacian King Decebalus built his FORTRESS-CAPITAL with SIX CITADELS — an IMPREGNABLE fortress that Trajan STILL destroyed in 106 AD. From Orăștie, drive 20 min to Costești, then 18km dirt road (1 hour) to parking (15 RON fee). Hike 1-2km uphill to citadel (moderate difficulty, wear hiking shoes), pace yourself at altitude, and count the citadel layers as you ascend (six total). At the top, face south — Trajan's legions approached from that direction.

   Backup: If weather is bad or you can't hike, visit the Hunedoara Museum in nearby Deva (20 min away) — has Sarmizegetusa artifacts. Or skip and focus on Alba Iulia (next stop).

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2. 2 Find the Sacred Zone Where Dacians Chose Wine Over Victory History · Free

   The Dacians imported GREEK WINE to this 1200m mountain fortress — archaeological digs found Greek coins and imported amphorae. They valued QUALITY wine even in wartime, even while defending against Rome, even after King Burebista burned all Dacian vineyards ~60 BC to stop invasions. Stand in the largest circular sanctuary (Andesite Sun) at the citadel summit, look for information boards about archaeological finds, and imagine Greek wine amphorae carried UP this mountain.

   Backup: If sanctuaries are roped off, photograph from perimeter. Read info boards about "imported goods" — they'll mention wine vessels.

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3. 3 Toast to Decebalus With Romanian Wine Wine · Price: low

   Bring a bottle of Fetească Neagră from Dealu Mare (purchased before ascending) to the highest accessible point overlooking the valley. King Decebalus chose SUICIDE over Roman capture at this site. His people chose to burn their vineyards rather than let invaders have them. The grape you brought SURVIVED both choices. Uncork the bottle at summit (bring corkscrew!), pour a small amount on the ground near the sacred circle (ancient libation ritual), then drink while saying: "For Decebalus, who chose freedom. For Fetească Neagră, which chose survival."

   Backup: If you can't bring wine (hiking limits), buy a small bottle at parking area or nearby village. Even a half-bottle (375ml) works. Or perform the ritual WITHOUT wine but speak the words.

   Log Memory