Paved Road - Archaeological Site Sarmizegetusa Regia

The monumentality of the sanctuary at Grădiștea de Munte is marked by a permanent fascination, stirring visitors' curiosity and interest in understanding the remarkable civilization and spirituality of the Dacians.

One of the most interesting components of the sanctuary is the paved road with limestone slabs. Most likely built in the mid-1st century BCE, it connected the fortress to the sacred area. Along its length, processions took place, culminating in a paved square also made of limestone slabs, located in the immediate vicinity of the large round temple.

Through its architecture, this road prepared the entrance to a space marked by divine presence. Its clear, carefully crafted, and integrated forms indicated a detachment from the everyday. According to archaeological research reports, the road consisted of numerous short steps and, at intervals, horizontal planes. These steps regulated the walk on the paved road, imposing a certain cadence. The effect produced by the rhythmic movement of the people carrying offerings to the gods was certainly impressive. Imagine the grandeur of the moment!

Because when you decide to visit, it will cease to be just a paved road. It will lead you to the temple!

Architectural features

Archaeological research has revealed that the paved road had two bifurcations along its known route. At the first bifurcation, an alley made of andesite, sandstone, and limestone slabs branched off from the paved road, leading to a cult building on the ninth terrace.

At the second bifurcation, quite difficult to locate, the paved road branched out again, so that one part led to the large andesite temple on the tenth terrace, while the other headed towards the eleventh terrace.

The paved road was bordered by limestone blocks, with limestone slabs placed in a cant on some sections. Specialists have hypothesized that these borders supported the posts of a wooden roof.

Invaluable treasures

The artifacts discovered at Grădiștea de Munte - Sarmizegetusa Regia demonstrate that the Dacians were master craftsmen in metalworking, stone, or clay.

The most impressive Dacian relics known to date are the spiral bracelets made of very fine gold, many of them weighing over 1 kg.

Painted pottery with vegetal and animal motifs or complex geometric motifs, elegant tableware with clear Mediterranean influences, agricultural or carpentry tools, goldsmithing tools, precious metal jewelry pieces, harness pieces, and weapons are all testimonies to the Dacians' craftsmanship.

Unique Experiences

If you want to learn more about the Dacians and the archaeological site, participate in the "Open Doors Day" event, held annually at Grădiștea de Munte - Sarmizegetusa Regia. During this event, the results of archaeological research conducted during the respective year are presented through guided tours. A similar event takes place at the Dacian fortress of Costești-Cetățuie.

And if you're interested in combat demonstrations, Dacian and Roman rituals, dances, ceremonies, and military training, interactive civilian workshops, or ancient gastronomy competitions, you'll find all of these at the ancient historical reenactment festival Dac Fest, held every year on the plateau at Măgura Uroiului, near Simeria.