Costești–Cetățuie Dacian Fortress

The Dacian fortress of Costești–Cetățuie is located above the village of Costești, Orăștioara de Sus commune, Hunedoara county. Built in the first century BC, it controlled access to the valley leading up to the heart of the Dacian kingdom. The fortification is part of the group of Dacian fortresses in the Orăștie Mountains on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The hill preserves stone walls, defensive ramparts and traces of tower dwellings. Stairs and terraces show how the structure was adapted to the slope. Outside the enclosure were sanctuaries and other community facilities. The high position offers a view of the Grădiștea valley and the surrounding wooded hills.

Photo: Oroles · Source of the photo · Public domain. Cropped and resized to 650 × 400 px, without distortion.