The Arutela Roman Camp

Can you believe that, passing through the Olt Narrows, at Cozia, almost 2,000 years ago you could meet Syrian archers? They were here, in the service of the Roman Empire, tasked to erect a defense camp on the eastern border of Roman Dacia. 

 

The ruins of the old fortification can still be seen today on the left bank of the Olt River, near the Cozia Monastery in Călimănești.

 

You will surely feel attracted to the Praetorian Gate reconstructed in the 80s of the last century, so do not hesitate! Enter the camp, walk past the military college and climb up the steps of the wooden ladder.  In a moment you will be right on the patrolling walkway of the brave soldiers of the Roman army!

It is an opportunity to experience the old times and to discover yet another page of the glorious history of our ancestors!

 

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Brief historical insight

The Arutela camp was built in 137-138 AD, during the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrianus, in the context of opening of a new road through the Cozia clough, which required the existence of a control point here. It operated until the first half of the 3rd century, when it was abandoned, strongly affected by an overflow of the Olt River.

20 meters east of the Praetorian gate, the Roman strategic road in the Olt Valley was discovered, 6 m wide and paved with large stone blocks.

 

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Theophilus’s Peak and Trajan's Table

1000 m north of the camp, there is Theophilus’s Peak, where the foundations of a surveillance tower were discovered, part of the Roman fortification system built along the Olt River. The semicircular tower was 300 m above the camp, which gave a very good visibility over the area.

When the Olt waters are low, one can see Trajan's Table, the place where the Roman emperor is said to have stopped before conquering Dacia.

 

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What else can you do in Călimănești?

If you are in Călimănești, you can opt for a tour of the monasteries in the area. The Cozia, Ostrov, Stânișoara, Turnu monasteries, Saint John’s Stone Skete are just some of the places of worship worth seeing.

For hiking enthusiasts, the Cozia National Park, with its gorgeous landscapes, offers unforgettable experiences. You will find wonderful viewpoints where you can capture the most beautiful photos.

And don't forget about the benefits of mineral springs and thermal waters in the resort!