Biharia Fortress

Biharia Fortress is one of the best-preserved early medieval fortresses in the country. The fortification built from earth embankments is impressive in size. The northern and southern sides measure 115 meters in length each, while the eastern and western sides measure 150 meters each.

It was here that the young Ladislaus spent 14 years of his life, in the ducal court of his father, King Béla I. His mother, Princess Richeza, the daughter of King Miesko I of Poland, along with the clerics of the bishopric in the fortress, took care of his education and fostered his religious devotion.

Later, from this very place, Prince Ladislaus organized and launched some of the most heroic campaigns against the Cumans and Pechenegs.

Take your time to contemplate these places, thinking that you are in a place that has proven to have been inhabited even 3000 years ago.

The anonymous chronicle, Gesta Hungarorum, mentions that in the early Middle Ages, in these lands, there was the duchy of Menumorut, which had its administrative center in Biharia, in present-day Bihor County, as well as other important fortified points in Satu Mare (castrum Zotmar) and Zalău (Zyloc).

From information materials exhibited at the exhibition "The Work and Cult of Saint Ladislaus," opened at the Episcopal Palace of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Oradea, we learn that: "the duchy of Biharia in the 11th century already represented almost a third of the medieval territory of the Kingdom of Hungary. This province was largely inhabited by populations of Turkish origin, fearsome warrior horsemen and guardians of the borders. Biharia served as a training ground for the designated heirs to the throne to learn the responsibilities of governance. King Saint Ladislaus is undoubtedly the most important historical figure formed in this 'school of monarchs,' thus explaining his special attachment to these lands, as well as the role of Bihor in shaping the religious cult of the saint since the Middle Ages."

The commune of Biharia is located near the city of Oradea, already known for its numerous tourist attractions. The history of Oradea Fortress is closely linked to the life of Saint Ladislaus, with a monumental work recently erected there, a statue representing him. Also in Oradea, we can visit the Baroque Palace of the Roman Catholic Diocese, which hosts a permanent exhibition dedicated to Saint Ladislaus.

You can also relax in the spa resort of Băile Felix, which is located a short distance from Biharia Commune, and you can also enjoy the local cuisine, as the Bihor region is renowned for its tasty and high-quality food.