Corvin Castle and the Mystic Dacian Ruins at Sarmisegetusza

Hidden in South-Western Transylvania and the Carpathians there are two significant landmarks important for Romanian history and culture: the ruins of Dacian fortresses now a UNESCO site, and Corvin (Hunyadi) Castle, a citadel-fortress from where medieval rulers projected their power in Transylvania. There is much history to be learned here - join me on this tour!

What you need to know Moments to expect Guide Cancellation & refund policy Location details

What you need to know about this Corvin Castle & UNESCO Dacian ruins site tour:

This is a private day trip starting from Timisoara. Duration: 10 hours
Included: transport, entry fees, guidance. Not included: meals, photo permits, souvenirs or other expenses
First, we visit Corvin Castle, a Gothic-Renaissance masterpiece used as a military fortress in medieval times
Then, we visit the UNESCO site of Samizegetusa Regia and the ruins of the former capital of our Dacian ancestors' kingdom (in April-October)
During October-April we visit instead Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa, the capital of the Roman-Dacian province established after the Roman conquest of Dacia
Finally, we visit the impressive 7th century Densus Church, the oldest church in Romania which served multiple faiths

Additional information

We will meet in Timisoara (pick up from your accommodation).

Wear comfortable clothing as we will be in the car about 4-5 hours and then outdoors!

Moments to expect during the Corvin Castle tour:

Corvin (Hunyadi) Castle - menacing or fairytale?

Corvin Castle is the best preserved and most authentic medieval castle in Romania and Europe! Built in the 14th century, it served as a military fortress and residence of Transylvania’s governors, most notably Iancu de Hunedoara an important figure in our history. The castle witnessed many important historical events and power struggles in the region which gave rise to many legends - including regarding its symbol, a raven. Let's go and find out more!

The UNESCO site of Sarmizegetusa Regia, former capital of Dacian Kingdom

Before the Romans conquered these lands in 100 A.D., our Dacian ancestors populated the dense Carpathian woodlands around Orastie Mountains, setting up many defence fortifications. Sarmizegetusa Regia was their capital and the most important military, religious and political centre in the Dacian Kingdom. Visiting this ancient site you will learn much about times 2,000 years ago and a people that no longer exist, but who possessed a fascinating culture, religion and way of life. (April-October)

Ulpia Traiana Samizegetusa - the capital of Roman-Dacian province

After the Dacians were defeated and settled by the Romans, the latter brought their civilisation and society in these parts. Ulpia Traiana was established and became an impressive Roman metropolis and capital of the Roman-Dacian province. This site has preserved the ruins of a forum, the amphitheatre and several temples,
giving you a unique insight into Roman colony life. (October-April)

The Densus Stone Church

This impressive stone church was built in the 7th century on the site of a Roman temple from 200 A.D., using advanced construction materials from the former Dacian capital of Sarmizegetusa. Truly an engineering marvel, the church is still standing and in very good condition after hundreds of years! It is said that on its location there was a Dacian temple dedicated to Zalmolxis (their god) and after the Romans conquered these lands the temple was dedicated to their god Mars.

How to book?

Choose how many people and when
Request a booking and fill in your details
Flexible payment and cancelation
Guide answers in 24h
Children prices

2 x 130 Euro

How to book this tour?

Choose how many people and when
Request a booking and fill in your details
Flexible payment and cancelation
Guide answers in 24h
Children prices

Guide

Mark-Alex

18 REVIEWS

Originally from Romania, I left the country at an early age. After studying tourism in Germany, I moved back in Timisoara and started showing people this beautiful city and its surroundings. Come with me!

I like: Meeting new people, hiking, sports, nature, history, travelling, reading and lots more

I speak: english, german, romanian

Other guides for this tour

Liviu

Sergiu

Cancelation & refund policy

Easy

Sends us or the guide an email 24h before the tour informing us you can't make it and you'll get a full refund of your payment, no questions asked.

Location details

Starting point: Timisoara
Nearest airport: Timisoara Traian Vuia International
Nearest train station: Timisoara
Landscape: Hills, countryside, woodlands

See on the map

Reviews from travellers

Rita B. on 26.08.2023

Our tour guide was just awesome. His deep knowledge about history and culture and his dedication for his job and his travel guests made our trip an unforgettable event. Would like to give him again our special thanks for the Dacians. Anke & Rita

Amana F. on 24.06.2023

The tour was fantastic! Our guide was very knowledgeable and flexible, and a pleasure to travel with. We saw may gorgeous things together, from a river fortress to a medieval castle (complete with moat and dungeon), a beautiful very old church, and fascinating Roman ruins and museum. The region is incredibly rich in history and features jaw-dropping nature. Definitely a tour we would recommend!

Lisa B. on 25.05.2019

a long but very interesting day, we learned so much about Romanian history and culture. our guide was great and very knowledgeable, also gave us time to explore and experience on our own. a lot of driving but it was worth it and great value for money. thank you!

Olimpia D. on 15.04.2019

It was an interesting historical tour. We learned much about Romanian history starting from ancient times to the end of medieval ages while travelling in the Romanian countryside and seeing some interesting sights!