Alba Carolina Citadel

Plugging my hotel into google maps for my drive from Corvin Castle to Sibiu I saw a citadel that looked pretty (also Apple CarPlay just started to work - win 🥇). While slightly off track it was about half way and I figured after an hours drive a break might be nice. Knowing nothing more than that I headed off from 14th century castle to an 18th century Citadel.

Once I arrived and figured out how to pay for parking I walked over the ramparts of the citadel (now much easier to pass given the elevated footbridge) in Alba Iulia. Called Alba Carolina Citadel, it was built by the Hasburgs. There we go, I’ve learnt something today - didn’t know much about who ruled Romania, but now I know the Hasburgs must have been here. Makes sense given Hungary is just next door.

Central to this end of the complex was the Roman Orthadox cathedral which dates to the early 20th century, so a fairly new addition. While dominant on the outside, it was quite small inside. Built for the coronation of King Ferdinand I and Queen Maria it also represents the unification of Romania. More history learnt! Now I just need to learn about who was unified.

I really don’t know much about Romanian history other than Dracula (fake - not history) and the dictatorship era. Hopefully I’ll learn more this trip (and not just go “ooo” and “ahhh” over castles). Oh yeah and a bit on Vlad the Impaler - sounds like a real charmer.

I briefly explored the main square of the citadel (another church overlooking cafe umbrellas) and its surrounding buildings. This place has a lot of bronze sculptures of people in everyday positions. Like a lot!. From 2 guys talking, a soldier, a teacher and kids they had a lot. I think they are propping up the bronze statue industry in this town alone.

Getting a bit tired after a late night last night and a busy day today, I skipped the museums here and instead had a quick look at the main gate, complete with drawbridge ✅. I got a view over the city and surrounds which was …ok. Heading back to the car there was some sort of Motorsport festival down between the rampart making noise, but I gave it a miss.

Not a bad place to stretch the legs and look at some old stuff really. And it was free. It was only another hour of driving, mainly on the freeway and then some narrow streets before arriving at my hotel for the night. I’m exhausted today so crashing early ready to explore Sibiu tomorrow.Read more