Eisenmarkt – Castles, Geopark and Dacian Heritage

Eisenmarkt – the visitor attractions of Hunedoara County combine protected mountain and natural areas with the UNESCO Global Geopark Țara Hațegului, medieval castle and fortress heritage, and the ancient Dacian capitals of Sarmizegetusa Regia and Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa.

Culture and History

Castelul Corvinilor is considered the most significant monument of military architecture from the 15th century in Eastern Europe. The expansion of Castelul Corvinilor between 1440 and 1446 created a new surrounding wall flanked by seven predominantly round defensive towers. The entire Castelul Corvinilor complex has been open to visitors since January 1, 2021.

The Dacian Fortresses of the Orăștie Mountains comprise six defensive structures built in the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD under Dacian rule. Their extensive, well-preserved remains lie in a spectacular natural setting. UNESCO inscription was based on criteria (ii), (iii) and (iv); the fortresses combine military architectural techniques and are outstanding examples of fortified structures from the late European Iron Age.

Magna Curia, also known as Bethlen Castle, is a Category A monument on Romania’s list of historic monuments (HD-II-m-A-03225). The Dacian defensive system around Sarmizegetusa Regia extended across approximately 150 km² and was intended to protect the power centre of the Dacian kingdom. Archaeological investigations at Sarmizegetusa Regia identified defensive towers in the retaining walls of the terraces in the sacred area, including a distinctive pentagonal tower on the outer wall of Terrace XI.

Landscape and Geopark

Cetatea Deva stands on a volcanic cone at an elevation of 378 metres and overlooks the Mureș Valley. It can be reached via signposted footpaths or by funicular. Local buses in Deva serve stops near the access point to Cetatea Deva, including routes 2, 6 and 7.

The UNESCO Global Geopark Țara Hațegului contains extremely rare fossils of dwarf dinosaurs representing more than ten dinosaur species. The “Dinosaur Valley” trail in the UNESCO Global Geopark Țara Hațegului runs from the House of Dwarf Dinosaurs to the “La Scoaba” geosite, where the geopark’s first dinosaur fossils were discovered. The “Volcano Road” trail in the UNESCO Global Geopark Țara Hațegului begins in the centre of the village of Densuș and leads to the volcanic hills and the House of Volcanoes; well-preserved pillow lava outcrops can be seen along the way.

Active Adventures

Two of the twelve cycling routes established in Țara Hațegului pass through Retezat National Park. Retezat National Park has equipped climbing routes at Pereții Bucurii and Colții Pelegii; they offer different levels of difficulty and may only be used with appropriate equipment. The summer activities offered by Straja Resort include hikes in Retezatul Mic, rafting on the Jiu, paintball and off-road tours. Most of the information on the thematic trail is available bilingually in Romanian and English.

Other Subregions

Hățăgel, Zeicani, Kalan, Santamaria - Orlea, Orastioara de Sus, Hunedoara, Peștișu Mare, Comuna Hărău

Comuna Densuș, Roșcani, Ilia, Bosorod, Comuna Teliucu Inferior, Comuna Certeju De Sus, Geoagiu, Petrila

Râu Bărbat, Peșteana, Uricani, Simeria, Şoimuş, Hărău, Sălaşu De Sus, Mălăești

Vălișoara, Gurasada, Topliţa, Câmpu Lui Neag, Teliucu Inferior, Petroșani, Cib, Hateg

Brad, Sarmizegetusa, Râu De Mori, Geoagiu Băi, Peştera, Orăştie, Vața De Jos, Lupeni, Diemrich

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