Sarmisegetusa

As all our journeys start just a few hours before we actually leave, so did this one. “Let’s go see Sarmisegetusa”, someone said. So we gathered on a Saturday morning, all four of us, with no idea of where exactly we are going to or where we were going to stay.

The drive was long and exhausting, so we decided to check into a B&B and visit the ruins of the old city the following day. This is where the funny part starts. Although I knew the town hosted many B&B’s, it’s weird how hard we could find one suited for our needs: warmth and some decent food.

The first one we found in our way was newly built and looked rather promising. Unfortunately, it had a bar on the ground floor (that came with the “appropriate” music) and rooms so cold we thought we entered a tomb.

The second one was the Kendeffy Castle, also known as Castelul Cândeştilor. Someone told me that it’s the most charming place in Haţeg and somehow above average, accommodation-wise. What we found was a bit different: no one at the reception (so we had the chance to ding that unfortunate bell over and over), high prices, torn armchairs and a spooky feeling, the kind you get when watching movies with old haunted mansions.

Third was a charm, luckily, somewhere on the the outskirts of Haţeg. The outside of the building didn’t say much, which is probably why we drove by a couple of times before we dared entering. Once inside we found a very hospitable man, who offered us two comfortable, warm rooms and a delicious dinner and breakfast. So, if you’re ever nearby and need cheap and decent accomodation, our recommendation is “Dealul Viilor”.

First thing in the morning, after breakfast of course, we packed our bags and got on our way to Sarmisegetusa, just a few kilometers away.

We got there pretty quick, as the entrance to the archeological site is right on the main road to Caransebeş.

If you expect to see the surviving walls or buildings of an old city… you’re in for a surprise. The remains are in the form of stones, ranging from a few centimeters above the grass to a couple of meters. If you could see it from a height, you might be able to imagine the city. Unfortunately, the site is not very well promoted. We found it would have been helpful if they gave some graphic hints about what the ruins represent (yard, entrance, rooms, etc). So don’t leave your imagination at home when visting Sarmisegetusa, you’ll need it.

The ruins are spread over 2 or 3 square kilometers and you’ll have to walk from one site to the other. The walks are very enjoyable though, with mountains far away, clean air and countryside scenery.

Sarmisegetusa is an interesting place to visit for a weekend. It’s easily reachable, the accomodation is good, the food as well. The scenery, the fresh air and the archaeological site will complete a perfect getaway from the city. Enjoy the photos!