Orăştioara de Sus: Dacian Fortresses and Mountain Nature

Orăştioara de Sus is closely linked to the history of the Dacian region. The Dacian fortresses in the Orăștie Mountains are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They combine military and religious construction techniques and concepts and feature extensive, well-preserved remains in an impressive natural setting.

Culture

Sarmizegetusa Regia was the religious, political, and military center of the Dacian world for almost a century and a half. The Dacian fortress of Blidaru was intended to protect Sarmizegetusa Regia from the north; its construction beginnings date back to the middle of the 1st century BC. The original military enclosure had a trapezoidal shape and covered approximately 2,500 m².

Fețele Albe is also one of the historic sites in the municipality. The Dacian settlement extended across dozens of artificially created terraces on the southern slope of a ridge of Muncel. In its central area there is a group of terraces supported by walls made of limestone blocks, as well as monumental cult buildings.

The Castrul de la Bucium – Piatra Grădiştii, a Roman fort from the 2nd and 3rd centuries, is also located in the municipality. Vârful lui Hulpe was part of the defensive system created in the 1st century BC around the capital of the kingdom. A cross carved from oak was erected near Grădiștea de Munte in memory of local Christian missionaries from Dacia.

Nature and Trails

The landscape can be experienced on routes of varying lengths. The Grădiștea de Munte–Platoul Vârtoapelor–Snowdrop Forest hiking trail is 4.8 km long, takes about three hours, and is considered easy. The Costeşti–Valea Grădiştei–Dealul Grădiştei–Cetatea Sarmizegetusa Regia–Muncel–Vf. Godeanu mountain hiking trail, on the other hand, takes 10 to 11 hours.

There is a clear difference between the two routes in terms of the time required: one is considered an easy, shorter hike, while the other is a considerably longer mountain hike. Together with the course of DJ 705A and the waterfall, this creates a landscape that encompasses both short paths and extended routes, as well as different trail connections within the described landscape.

Another scenic destination is Cascada din Valea Rea. It can be reached from DJ 705A between Costești and Grădiștea de Munte via the connecting road to Schitul Sfinților Români and is located about 2 km before the skete. DJ 705A runs from Orăştie along the Grădişte River through the municipality to the large Sarmizegusa Regia fortress.

Customs

Traditional customs are also part of the local culture. The tradition of Căluşerul hunedorean is characteristic of villages in the municipality of Orăştioara de Sus and is practiced only at Christmas. The local custom of “măsuratul oilor” is a traditional festival in which tourists can participate.

The municipality’s annual events calendar includes “Istorie, Natură, Cultură,” the historic Frăția Lupilor festival, and the Maratonul Dacilor sporting competition. These events take place annually in July and August.

For the overarching travel overview: Orastioara de Sus.