Historical Sites

Within and surrounding Jiu Valley are numerous historic and cultural heritage sites, including a number of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Within a short drive you can visit beautiful historic monasteries (e.g., Densuș Church, Prislop Monastery, Lainici (Monastary), Corvin Castle, ruins of fortresses the ancient Dacians built to defend themselves against imperial Roman army invaders, and even explore a paleontological dig site/GeoPark of the famous Hațeg Dwarf Dinosaurs from the Cretaceous Period.

 

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Sarmizegetusa

Sarmizegetusa Regia


 

Biserica Densus

Constructed in the 4th century, largely from stones taken 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. Densuș Church


Corvin 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. Corvin Castle


 

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. Card