The Fortress of Deva

Deva, Romania, Romania

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The Fortress of Deva in Deva, Romania, is a medieval citadel built in the mid-13th century on a 378-meter volcanic hill, first mentioned in 1269 as a royal Hungarian stronghold guarding the Mureș Valley trade route into Transylvania. It features three successive ovoid enclosures with thick walls, bastion platforms, a cistern, casemates, a palace, towers, a powder magazine, and a gate, strengthened in the 15th century by John Hunyadi and expanded under Gabriel Bethlen in the 17th. Besieged during uprisings like 1784 and damaged by an 1849 explosion, it was partially restored in the 19th century and now stands as atmospheric ruins accessible by cable car or trail, offering panoramic views.