Sights and attractions in Hunedoara County

On the banks of the Cerna, the town of Hunedoara welcomes visitors with a series of sights, whether we are thinking of mountain hikers or of those who want to feel “the history of our ancestors”. The county seat was first recorded in documents in 1265 and has played an essential role in our country’s history over time.

If you have planned a stay in the county, we recommend visiting some of the most beautiful and captivating places in Hunedoara.

• Corvin Castle, or Hunyadi Castle, is the main tourist attraction in the county and in Romania. Considered a true jewel of tourism, the castle is appreciated for its Gothic architecture. It was built by Iancu de Hunedoara (John Hunyadi), its initial role being to serve as a fortified strategic point. Surrounded by legends, the castle’s inner courtyard also has a well 30 metres deep. It is said to have been dug by 3 Turkish prisoners who had been promised their freedom when they finished the work. But after 15 years of toil, during which time Iancu de Hunedoara had died, his wife did not keep her word, hence the inscription on it, “Apă ai, inimă n-ai” (“You have water, but you have no heart”). The whole building is impressive, and the details that can still be seen will carry you into the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.

• Deva Citadel stands on Citadel Hill, at a height of 380 metres. Unfortunately, today it is a ruin as a result of an explosion in the ammunition store in 1849. Built in the 13th century, Deva Citadel is one of the most important citadels in Transylvania, its role being to defend against the Tatars and all those who sought to occupy the region. It is open to the public, and can be reached by cable car or through the town park.
• Retezat National Park covers 38,000 hectares and is one of the most important national parks in the country. You will be surprised to discover that its most impressive features are its 80 glacial lakes, which make up 40% of the glacial lakes in the country. One of our country’s diamonds, the park offers spectacular, captivating scenery from Peleaga Peak, Păpușa or Retezatul Mic.
• Hațeg–Slivuț bison reserve, in the forest of the same name, covers 50 hectares. It is the first place in the country where the European bison appeared, in 1958, when a pair of bison was brought from Poland.

• Sarmizegetusa Regia, the capital of Dacia and the seat of King Decebal, is the most important citadel in the country. Like many other tourist attractions, it shelters many legends and stories. The citadel is in the locality of Grădiștea de Munte, in Orăștioara commune, and is divided into 3 zones: the civil one at the foot of the hill, the citadel itself and the sacred zone.
• Bolii Cave, in the north of the town of Petroșani, is one of the most impressive and spectacular limestone formations in Romania. The Concert Hall is the main gallery of the cave and is where several musical and artistic events have been held over time. The Jupâneasa stream runs through it from end to end.

Photo credits: Sarmizegetusa Regia Administration, Enjoy Hunedoara