The Oradea Fortress is one of the few bastion fortresses in Romania. It was and remains the emblem of the city of Oradea, being a central point of cultural events.
In 1619, the Transylvanian prince Gabriel Bethlen began the construction of a unique palace within the fortress, with walls parallel to the outer walls and a tower at each of the five corners. The Blunt Bastion, the Bethlen Bastion, the Crăişorul Bastion, the Red Bastion and the Golden Bastion are the five bastions located at the corners of the fortress.
The moat that surrounds the fortress reminds us of the important defensive role it has had over the centuries. This ditch was filled with thermal water from the Peța Creek and with cold water from Crișul Repede, having a depth of 4 meters and a width of 50 meters, thus preventing the freezing of the water and facilitating the defense of the fortress in winter.
In recent decades, the Golden Bastion, along with the rest of the fortress, has undergone restoration processes to restore it to its former glory and to preserve it as an important part of the historical heritage of Oradea.
The curtain wall to the Golden Bastion was built between 1580 and 1581, in the last years of the reign of Christopher Báthory. This massive wall is flanked inside by casemates. The base and girdle are made of massive stone blocks, while brick gives the construction its dominant appearance.
The name "Golden" comes from its original roof, which was plated with gold leaf. This feature gave the bastion a special look and made it stand out.
The Golden Bastion, as part of the fortress's defense system, was intended to protect the fortress against invasions. Its thick walls and robust structure made it an important strategic point in the defense of the fortress.
Brief historical incursion
Throughout its history, the fortress has been besieged and rebuilt several times. It was conquered by the Turks in 1660 and remained under Ottoman control until 1692, when it was reconquered by the Habsburgs.
The Golden Bastion is part of the fortification system of the Oradea Fortress, which was rebuilt in the sixteenth century in the Italian Renaissance style. The fortress has a pentagonal shape, and the bastions are located at the corners of this shape.
Representation of the legend of Saint Ladislaus
Archaeological research has established that the first urban center was located under the current fortress. The first construction, erected at the end of the eleventh century, was located on an island located between the arms of Crișul Repede and Peța, in a marshy and wooded area.
In this area, known as the Deer Garden, King Ladislaus of Hungary often came to hunt. It is said that while he was resting here, the angels urged him to erect a construction, thus the church dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared, a place known as Varad.
Unique experiences
The Golden Bastion is a symbol of the architectural grandeur and historical importance of the Oradea Fortress, representing a major point of interest for those who want to explore the rich cultural heritage of the city.
The fortress was reopened in 2015, after an extensive restoration process of the buildings, the courtyard and the bridge. The renovation works continue, including the arrangement of the inner courtyard, the east curtain wall and the walls.
Museums, craft workshops, medieval demonstrations, events and restaurants offer a glimpse into times long gone.
Today, the Oradea Fortress is also the focal point of cultural events in the city, hosting medieval festivals, movie nights, and other events held in the Fortress Park.
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