Map of Deva

Is situated on the left bank of the river Mures at the height of 187 m. The archeological excavation demonstrated that this region was populated beginning with the neolitic period (5500 - 2500 b.c.). The fortress was built on the hill that overtop with 184 m against the city by the Hungarian kings probably in the period 1240-1250 as a residence of theTransylvanian voivode (XIII-XVI). Until 1687 the fortress had been owned by Hunyadi Janos, Báthory István, Szapolyai János, Dobó István, Geszty Ferencz, Bethlen Gábor, I.Rákóczy György, Barcsay Ákos. The walls of the fortress were often assaulted by the carl peasantry culminating by the one of 1784 in time of the arousal of Horea, Closca and Crisan. In 1817 it was renovated by king Francisc I. In time of revolution of 1848-1849 the fortress from the hand of the Austrian soldiers got into the hand of the Hungarian's and at 13 August 1849 as a result of the inattention of a soldier the gunpowder depot exploded. From then the fortress of Deva remained ruinous. Recently it looks that it started something for the rehabilitation of the fortress...it was given in use an inclined hoist on the Fortress Hill. The hill is a natural reservation; the downhill are covered by reach vegetation. Most of the plants are native as the others arise from the M. Mediterranean region of from the south of the Balcanic Peninsula. Here lives the viper with cone. It has a surface of 30 ha.
The XVI century Magna Curia is located at the foot of the hill. Transformed by Gabriel Bethlen in 1621 Magna Curia showed a baroque out look. Unfortunately no traces are left of the sundial that used to be on its wall. The good news is, however, that during the restoration of the castle at least the swan well was rebuilt. Today the castle houses the Museum of Dacian and Roman Civilization, but the building is under restoration. However, when it opens its doors again it is worth visiting since many interesting items had been found around its walls.
Open hours:
Tuesday - Sunday 9.00-17.00
Contact: phone. 0040-254-216-750