THE HALLSTATT FORT IN SIMION HILL - BALNACA

In the spectacular gorge of Crișului Repede, on Simion hill, there is a well-hidden in the ground a fortification with an age exceeding 3,000 years.

It is assumed that it was built by a community belonging to the end of the Bronze Age and the beginning of the first Iron Age (Hallstatt), between the 14th and 12th centuries BC. It is possible that the fortification had the role of overseeing the Crișul Repede gorge, which is very narrow at this point.

If you love adventure and mystery, start a hike towards the millenary fortress, following either the path that goes up from the Unguru Mare cave, or the one from the Chef's House in Bălnaca. The few belvedere points on the route will touch your heart with the splendor of the view they offer.

Architectural features

Although the fortification elements of the fortress can be considered minimal, they involved a significant work effort for that era.

On the north side, in fact the most exposed and easily accessible, a trench was dug that blocked the connecting saddle between the massif of the Berc hill and the Simion hill. Surely there was a gateway here as well.

A second, more spectacular gateway was excavated in the Jurassic limestone, in the southern area of the fortification. From here, following a contour to the east, the rock was leveled and very likely lined with wooden beams.

Unique experiences

You are in an area very rich in caves, where speleological tourism can be practiced. We recommend the Vântului cave (cave reserve) and the Unguru Mare cave (archaeological site and tourist attraction).

Hiking enthusiasts have at their disposal a series of marked tourist routes, practicable both in summer and winter, if they are well trained, such as the route from Dealul Crucii or Şuncuiuș - Zece Hotare. Also, in the vicinity of the fortification, there are several Via Ferrata trails.

During the summer you can practice rafting on Criș, on the gorge segment between Bălnaca and Vadu Crișului.