Sarmizegetusa
Founded in 106-107 AD by order of then Roman Emperor Trajan, the city served as Rome's capital of the province of Dacia until 271 AD. The city was strategically situated in the shadows of two natural barriers to attack, the Retezat and Poiana Rusca mountains, and at the crossroads of two major Roman highways. The ruins and marble columns of the Roman forum, amphitheater, city walls, and temples now lie in present day Romanian pastureland. Although a treasure trove of ancient Romanian history, the site is relatively unguarded, visitors can wander freely through the ruins, and is still being excavated. Small entrance fee.

Biserica Densus
Constructed in the 4th century, largely from stones "borrowed" from nearby Sarmizegetusa. Its unique architecture includes columns from the Roman forum, buttressing the walls of the church. Remains of Roman tablets adorn the pathway and entrance to the church. The church also contains frescoes from the 10th century, the only of their kind in Romania, depicting medieval saints and knights. Like Sarmizegetusa, the church and its adornments are sparsely visited and relatively unguarded. No entrance fee.




Hunedoara Castle
An imposing structure, right out of the middle ages, its location adjacent to a river gorge afforded it natural protection against attacks from the Ottomans and other enemies. Construction on the castle began in the 14th century and continued until the 17th century as its ownership was transferred from the D'Anjou family, to the Corvin family, to the Habsbourg empire. Its construction is a mix of late Gothic and Renaissance styles. The castle contains several towers, a courtyard, a Knights Hall, a torture chamber, a maze of dark passageways, winding staircases, and hidden portals. Try to find the centuries-old Arabic graffitti. In the midst of renovation, which is to take several years, the castle still has a creaky, spooky feel to it. Small entrance fee.

Manastirea Prislop
Tucked away at the end of the Silvasu River valley, behind two of Romania's quaintest villages, the monastery is the perfect place to wind down and ponder your day's travels. It boasts a seminary, lodging quarter for students, a 14th century church, and a unique bell tower, built into the hillside and a small stream, running beside the church. Hike up to the cemetery behind the church, and beyond to a grotto, carved out of the hillside, situated beside a waterfall. The "toaca", Romanian Orthodoxy's call to prayer, is performed at the monastery by a priest, banging out a unique rhythm on a special plank of wood, every day at 10 AM and 6 PM. The monastery may also provide accommodations and/or food for travellers, depending on their negotiation skills. No entrance fee. Donation for food and/or lodging highly recommended.