Cetatea Alba Iulia
Cetatea Alba Iulia
5
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & LandmarksHistoric Walking AreasCastles
About
*** Alba Iulia - Alba Carolina Citadel *** A town coated by the legendary halo of the great historical events that took place within its ancient walls, Alba Iulia has deeply got into the Romanian people's mind and soul. No other Transylvanian town has gathered so many crucial meanings and symbols. With thousands and thousands of years of human existence lying behind it, Alba Iulia represents the charming mirror in which all the ethnic groups of Transylvania can discover their vigor or their traditions of yore. The heart of Alba Iulia is Alba Carolina Citadel. Alba Carolina, the most representative bastion fortress in Romania and Southeast Europe, built upon the initiative of Emperor Charles the VIth of Habsburg, under the supervision of the French-born Austrian field marshal Eugene of Savoy, is wearing its royal robe. A royal citadel, residence of the bishopric, capital of autonomous principality, and a military garrison, Alba Iulia has been during all historical periods the main political, administrative, religious, cultural, and military centre of Transylvania. We invite you to visit The Other Capital of Romania.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Cetatea Alba Iulia
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
72 within 3 miles
Attractions
19 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
689 reviews
Excellent
553
Very good
115
Average
19
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Laurentiu
Bucharest, Romania3,715 contributions
Dec 2021
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.
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.
Written July 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
midway42
Georgia3,477 contributions
Oct 2021
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.
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.
Written November 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jazzumbo
Romania2,251 contributions
Feb 2023
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.
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.
Written April 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Demeter I
35 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
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.
Written September 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
UrbanLady
53 contributions
May 2021
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!
Written August 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sorin J
Brasov, Romania130 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
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.
Written June 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elena
5 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
A beautiful location! The fortress is filled with history, and it’s amazing to explore it, especially with a guide (I believe). I was lucky to have a local friend with me who shared stories and showed me around.
The place is undeniably historic, and the beauty and architecture are impressive by Romanian standards – everything is quite well maintained.
The place is undeniably historic, and the beauty and architecture are impressive by Romanian standards – everything is quite well maintained.
Written October 31, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Flore
Arad, Romania1,710 contributions
Dec 2022
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
Written December 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edgar
Cluj-Napoca, Romania72 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
This spot is a pleasant place to take a stroll, relax and enjoy the views. It's a peaceful environment where you can sit and have a cup of coffee while taking in the beautiful scenery. The walls surrounding the area are also quite lovely and add to the overall charm of the place. If you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind, this place is definitely worth a visit.
Written May 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas G
Amsterdam, The Netherlands1,873 contributions
Mar 2022
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.
Written June 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Здравствуйте. Возможно ли съёмка фото-видео с использованием дрона (квадрокоптера) не в коммерческих целях (для частного использования) на территории крепости и вокруг нее. Нужно ли для такой съемки получение разрешения и если да - в какой инстанции (координаты для связи). Вес дрона до одного килограмма. Планируемая поездка - май 2019 года. Буду признателен за развернутый ответ. С уважением, Игорь
Written February 7, 2019
Елена, спасибо большое за ответ на мой вопрос, с уважением, Игорь
Written April 20, 2019
Merhaba,yakında alba iline ziyaret edeceğim.Cetatea Bastionara Alba Carolina yı gezmek için yürüyüş rotasını gösteren harita gönderebilir misiniz.Ne kadar bir sürede gezebilirim.
Written May 2, 2018
Alba Iulia Citadel
Alba Iulia, Romania
Hi,
you can use the on-line map from our website: turism.apulum.ro
Written May 25, 2018
what is the fee, and can you tour inside if there is services going on,we are staying in cluj do you know if there is direct transport to the citadel
Written September 28, 2016
All the important parts are without paying anything: the walls, the cathedrals, the impressive gates etc.
There is one part of The National Museum Unirii that is around 2€, for the Sala Unirii, entrance is free, for guide also is a fee (aprox 6€) and for take picture and video also is a fee - around 4€.
From Cluj to get to Alba, there are direct buses, every hour or train.
I hope you have greate time.
Written September 29, 2016
J'aurai mis 5 sur 5 s'il y avait eu un restaurant autre que gastronomique. De plus,l'accueil au bar était TRES DESAGREABLE.
Written January 30, 2016
Hello,
We visited the Alba Iulia Citadel last month and due to a corrupted memory card, I lost all my photos of the Citadel. If you have any JPEG photos you could send me for my photo album, I would so appreciate it! I can send you my e-mail if you are willing to send any.
Thank you.
Written July 15, 2015
Alba Iulia Citadel
Alba Iulia, Romania
Hi Joan, sorry to hear that. Please feel free to use all our photos from Facebook: primariaalbaiulia.
Best wishes and hope to see you soon in Alba Iulia.
Alba Iulia Municipality
Tourism Dept.
Written July 20, 2015
Showing results 1-6 of 6
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing