Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa

Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa is the capital of Roman Dacia, a city founded by Emperor Trajan after the conquest of Dacia in the early 2nd century, some distance from the Dacian capital he had captured. The vast archaeological site in the Hațeg country preserves the traces of a prosperous Roman city: the forum, the amphitheatre where fights and spectacles were held, temples, baths and dwellings, testimony to urban life nearly two thousand years ago. A site museum holds pieces uncovered during excavations, from statues and inscriptions to everyday objects.

Unlike the Dacian capital in the mountains, access here is easy, and the ruins spread over flat, pleasant ground. It is an essential place for understanding the Roman period of Romanian history and combines well with nearby Densuș and Deva citadel. Check the site museum hours, which may be shorter in winter, and allow time to walk the whole area.