Ciceu Fortress

Visit Ciceu Fortress, which is surrounded by many stories and mysteries!

Built at the end of the 13th century, the fortress played a significant role in controlling and protecting the area at the confluence of the Great Someș River with the Small Someș River and the salt mines of Ocna Dejului.

In 1489, Ciceu Fortress was gifted by Matthias Corvinus to Stephen the Great. Deposed from the throne of Moldavia by Suleiman the Magnificent's Turks, Prince Petru Rareș took refuge at Ciceu Fortress in 1538. It is said that his wife hid the family's treasures in one of the nearby caves.

We don't know which is the mysterious cave, but we reveal to you the true treasure: the Land of Ciceu, a place steeped in history, culture, and ancient traditions, with fairytale landscapes and authentic people!

Brief historical insight

Ciceu Fortress was built between 1293 and 1304, at the insistence of King Béla IV and his successors. Its first documentary mention dates back to 1304. In the Middle Ages, the fortress was part of the Belső-Szolnok county.

At one point, the domain of the fortress comprised 63 villages. Annual fairs were held here, attended by merchants from all regions inhabited by Romanians.

Over time, Ciceu Fortress and its domain were ruled by numerous castellans, administrators, judges, and bailiffs. The first castellan of the fortress was Vas Nicolae, and the last was Ioan Vrânceanu.

In 1544, the Transylvanian Diet decided to demolish it.

Story of the place

Legend has it that Petru Rareș' wife arrived at the fortress before him and hid the family's treasure in one of the nearby caves.

It seems that this cave can only be entered on the day of Sânziene or on the feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist on June 24th. It is also said that whoever enters the cave does not return, so no one has dared to search for the treasure.

There are seven caves in the Ciceu area, but to this day, it is unknown which one served as the hiding place for the precious treasure.

Unique Experiences

You are in the Land of the Outlaws, so you can follow the thread of many interesting stories.

If you choose the Roman Road, you will have the opportunity to see the Roman Tower at Ponița, the ruins of the Roman baths at Ilișua, and many other vestiges from the Roman era.

On the Path of Faith, you will find the Greek-Catholic churches of Păltineasa and Spermezeu, the Roman Catholic church in Cristeștii Ciceului, the Reformed churches in Beclean, Reteag, Săsarm, Uriu, or Cuzdrioara, as well as the wooden Orthodox churches in Suplai, Zagra, Runcu Salvei, and Dobricel.

If you prefer the Path of Stories, you will encounter legendary characters, giants, and outlaws, as well as legends about mysteries and hidden treasures. You will thus arrive in the commune of Petru Rareș, where the Ion Pop Reteganul Memorial Museum is located. A renowned prose writer and publicist, Ion Pop Reteganul edited valuable folklore collections, capturing the richness and charm of Romanian folk spirituality and culture.