The Roman Castrum from Drajna de Sus

An interesting page of ancient history was written at Drajna de Sus, due to the presence here, between 101 and 117/118 AD, of one of the most important Roman military bases in Muntenia. Strategically well positioned, the Roman castrum at Drajna de Sus had a significant role in protecting and controlling the main road, which connected the Lower Danube to southeastern Transylvania, through the Tabla Butii pass.

One of the most impressive archaeological discoveries from Drajna de Sus is the monumental building, built of stone and brick, which had a hypocaust type central heating system. This probably served as the residence of the garrison commander, known as the praetorium.

It is worth visiting this truly spectacular building! You will be fascinated by the craftsmanship of the architects and builders of those times!

The castrum from Drajna de Sus experienced two phases of construction. In the first phase, probably in the autumn-winter of AD 101, a palisade-type structure was erected with a ditch and an earthen rampart, which functioned until the end of the Second Dacian War.

The second construction phase, represented by a double stone wall with the dimensions of 176 × 233 m, operated during AD 106-117/118.

The military camp brought together about 1000 soldiers from the I Italica, V Macedonica, XI Claudia Pia Fidelis and I Flavia Commagenorum Legions.

The fortification had stone enclosure walls, and inside there were monumental buildings, equipped with heating, water supply and sewage systems.

The possible residence of the commander (praetorium) consists of 5 rooms delimited by limestone or brick walls, with mortar floors resting on the hypocaust piles. The sixth room, the bathroom, was equipped with a basin with steps and a basin for clogging. The main heating system served the pool, bathroom and south-west room. On the south side of the building were two other heating installations.

In Drajna, you have the opportunity to get to know the traditional architecture of the Teleajean Valley, on the territory of the commune there are several historical monument houses, dating from the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the twentieth century. A traditional building in Drajna is the Warthiadi Water Mill, which became famous by appearing in the sets of the Romanian films "Haiducii lui Șapte Cai" and "Întoarcerea Vlașinilor".

Also, in Drajna you will find old churches and stone crosses, but also one of the few noble residences in Wallachia, preserved in its original form - Filipescu-Kretzulescu Castle.