The Alba Carolina Citadel (Romanian: Cetatea Alba Carolina, Hungarian: Gyulafehérvári vár) is a star-shaped fortress located in Alba Iulia. Its construction commenced on November 4, 1715 during the Habsburg rule in Transylvania, and was completed in 1738. 20,000 serfs were involved in its construction, which is estimated to have cost around 3 million guldens. The citadel was built on the site of two other fortifications: the legionary fortress of Legio XIII Gemina (known as Apulum), as well as the medieval Belgrad citadel. The shape of the citadel, an iconic element of Vauban architecture, influenced the design of Alba Iulia's city logo when the city adopted city branding in 2014. The city received 47.5 million lei in 2009 for the restoration and conservation of the citadel. The citadel is named after Charles VI, known as Carol VI in Romanian, who was the Holy Roman Emperor at the time of the citadel's construction.

This is my 3rd visit and I'm always impressed by the citadel. Love the idea that most of the points of interest have QR codes that are telling the story of the monument you have in view. I really hope that other cities will follow the example of Alba Iulia and refurbish the citadels in the same fashion, returning them to the tourist circuit and increasing the amount of jobs.

Constructed over a quarter century by over 20,000 workers during the Habsburg monarchy and finished in 1738, the currently-named Alba Carolina Citadel is a sight to behold. Designed and built in the classic Vauban style, it is appreciated from the ground, air, and any vantage point in between. It contains several independent museums, three churches, innumerable symbolic memorials, and an infinite amount of atmosphere. I visited with my guide in the morning after arriving in town the night before. We approached the area while walking down Transylvania Boulevard and through Union Park, entering the citadel through the front. Over the course of a few hours we saw two churches, two museums (reviewed separately), and walked around the area to gaze and wonder. Total time on site was approximately three hours. Overall, the citadel is one of those rare attractions that can be appreciated on multiple levels at any time of the year. Even visitors with no interest in history can simply enjoy the area as eye candy. Those with a more academic bent can immerse themselves in the museums for an entire day if not more; if that wasn’t enough there are church services, a walk around the walls (Route of the Three Fortifications), whimsical statues, cafes, food trucks, souvenir stands, picturesque gateways, etc. If I had to reorganize my trip I would have spent an entire day or two here. An overall excellent attraction and highly recommended.

During our road trip we spent a night in Alba Iulia. I already knew they have a good administration and people are working to improve buildings and historical monuments, but I must admit it was way beyond what I imagined. The Citadel is the main attraction and there are a lot of things to do: bars, restaurants, museums, pedestrian areas, gives you the feeling of any West European city. Good job!

Pleasant experience overall, not only inside the fortress, but also walking on the cobbled path between the two external walls of the bastion, where nowadays there are benches, ornamental trees and even a small pond with exotic fish. There are a few cafes and food vans inside the citadel, so the visitors could recharge themselves while walking between statues, churches and museums. The only downside is the giant cross by the entrance to the Coronation Cathedral, which is lit up at night in garish colors like a countryside disco-club in the 90s.

A free to visit magnificent citadel in the heart of Alba-Iulia. Entering a wonderful historical place, the citadel has 7 entrances. Walking around it's centre, the stronghold has a beautiful pedestrian path, bicycle lane and a guided tour minibus that takes you in a star-shaped relaxing trip. Inside the centre of the citadel you can discover different cultural and religious buildings. Overall, a wonderful experience, worth visiting.

Over 70,000 square meters of History. The place where we see all the fortifications made in this place for over 2000 years. On the site of an old Romanian fortress was built a medieval fortress and a church at the same time as Notre Dame in Paris. But it suffered much more and was burned twice, one of its towers being destroyed. However, the new Fortress was built during the Habsburg Empire, and in 1918 was the place where the first King of united Romania was crowned. In Alba Iulia, the Orthodox Cathedral is the only one in the country that has hosted any coronation of the Kings of Greater Romania!

This is an impressive citadel in Alba Iulia where there is a lot to see and do. Walking around is very nice while visiting churches, restaurants and museums. It is absolutely worth visiting here and I definitely recommend walking around it next to the walls. It is an absolute must-do when in this area. You can take 2-3 hours and see a lot, but more is absolutely nice.

An unmissable tourist attraction if you visit Transylvania. Due to its major importance in the creation of the Romanian state, the citadel was also impeccably restored. If a cultural event is organized when you visit it, you can spend a whole day and you won't get bored

Alba Carolina Citadel is an impressive, unique and great place of Alba Iulia and Romania. This citadel is a n iconic element of Vauban architecture during since 1715, so over 300 years of this unique place so well preserved. You will see interestimg building, a huge park and many others. It is a must see!!!