Sarmizegetusa Regia Citadel – Terrace X

An excursion to Sarmizegetusa Regia gradually introduces you to the realm of superlatives and intense emotions. Here you are, in the impressive residence of the Dacian kings, the main political, military, economic, and religious center of Dacia. Most likely, Sarmizegetusa Regia is the place of that "Sacred Mountain" (Kōgaionon) reported by Strabo at the beginning of the 1st century AD.

The sacred area of Sarmizegetusa Regia is the most spectacular part of the site, revealing monumental religious architecture, characteristic of the peak of Dacian civilization. Archaeological research has led to the discovery of a grand architectural complex consisting of eight temples, a monumental altar, a procession road, as well as water distribution installations. The cult buildings are located on three large artificial terraces: the 9th, 10th, and 11th.

On Terrace X, the traces of two temples have been found, built in different phases. From the structure of the initially erected building, only a few elements of limestone remain in their ancient position. Subsequently, the Dacians built a new temple, whose plan included at least four rows of ten plinths, column bases, and andesite capitals. This temple was the largest in the whole of Dacia, being destroyed during the wars with the Romans at the beginning of the 2nd century AD.

Today, the remains at Sarmizegetusa Regia attract visitors from all over, being astonishing testimonies of the beauty and superiority of Dacian culture and civilization.

Architectural peculiarities

The large andesite temple on Terrace X covered an area of ​​almost 1,200 square meters. Archaeologists have discovered on-site 33 plinths and, a few meters away, a column base.

The architectural elements of the temple structure stand out for their very large dimensions. Thus, the plinths have a diameter of over 2 meters, a thickness of 0.35 meters, and a weight exceeding 2 tons. The drums are about 1 meter in height and nearly one ton in weight.

In the northern part of Terrace X, the presence of three towers with walls made of dressed blocks was noted. A double wall separated Terraces X and XI.

Invaluable treasures

Among the artifacts discovered at Grădiștea de Munte is the bronze matrix, a highly valuable piece from an artistic and technical point of view, unique in Dacia and beyond.

It is presumed that this belonged to a jeweler, being used at Sarmizegetusa Regia in the second half of the 1st century AD to produce relief decorations from precious metals or bronze.

The representations on the matrix are made in negative, depicting no fewer than 78 real and fabulous animals.

Currently, you can admire this remarkable piece at the Museum of Dacian and Roman Civilization in Deva.

Unique experiences

In the Orăștie Mountains, you will find Dacian vestiges at every step. To begin with, we recommend a visit to Fețele Albe, a settlement located just a few kilometers from Sarmizegetusa Regia. Here, cult buildings, dwellings, craft workshops, and even terracotta pipes for water capture and distribution have been discovered. From county road DJ705A, you will hike for about 30 minutes on a moderate-difficulty trail through the forest.

Arriving in Costești, follow the road to Costești-Cetățuie Citadel, the oldest fortification in the Orăștie Mountains, believed to have been the first capital of the Dacian kingdom founded by Burebista.

You can then ascend to Costești-Blidaru Citadel, but only if you are equipped for a more difficult hike, not recommended in winter.