Romania is if you don’t know this yet, a beautiful country in Central to Eastern Europe. One thing Romania is known for, are the beautiful landscapes. Some others are our beautiful women, and great hospitality. But this article is about landscapes, mostly. More exactly, about the things you can visit in Hunedoara, one of the lesser-known zones in Romania.

Romania has all the landforms, from the beautiful Black Sea to the East, to plains and hills leading to mountains near the center of the country. On top of that, Romania is home to many places that are riddled in history, cities built around medieval fortresses, stunning views, and mesmerizing landscapes. Many of these are already tourist attractions, but there are a few hidden gems that aren’t that popular, for some reason. Some of these gems can be found around Hunedoara(which is both a City and a County). Hunedoara is located in the South-Western part of Transylvania, mostly in a mountainous region. Because of this, there are many beautiful landscapes and other things you can visit in Hunedoara.

So what attractions are there in Hunedoara? (For a Romanian version of this article, click here)

1. Deva Fortress (Cetatea Devei)

Deva is the residence city of Hunedoara, although there is also a Hunedoara City (just a few kilometers to the south of Deva). So, if you’re planning to visit this region, Deva would be your starting point.

Pro Tip: If you’re in Deva and want to try the best coffee, go to Jos Palaria, you won’t regret it.

Anyways, back to Deva and Deva Fortress. The fortress is just to the North – North-West of the city, so it’s very easy to get to it. It’s an important landmark for the city and the region.

It’s no surprise that Deva Fortress is a tourist attraction. The place is full of History, and you can see quite the landscape if you make it to the top of it.

Deva Fortress was built around the middle of the thirteenth century, on what is now known as „The Fortress Hill” (dealul Cetatii). a 378-meter tall volcanic cone. Because of its position, it held an important strategic standpoint throughout the years.

It’s very well preserved and most of the original fortifications can still be fount standing. You can make the most of your adventure if you visit during spring or summer, so you can enjoy the clear skies and lush vegetation. Who knows, you can even make some four-legged friends while you visit the Fortress.

2. Corvin Castle (Castelul Corvinilor)

If you’re into medieval Castles, this is the place for you. Corvin Castle, also known as Hunedoara Castle, is a medieval fortress that was built around the fifteenth century. It was built by one of the most known rulers of that time, Iancu of Hunedoara, and it was built on an old rock, beneath which flows the river Zlasti.

Corvin Castle is an amazing feat of architecture. It is one of the most important monuments of Gothic Architecture from Romania. It’s considered one of the most beautiful Castles in the world, and it found on the top 10 fairy-tale destinations from Europe.

Corvin Castle is the biggest medieval structure with a double functionality (both civil and military) from Romania, that is still standing. It’s a mighty fortification, with towers, bastions, and even a dungeon. So it’s a must-see if you’re a history buff or just a fan of great architecture!

3. Cincis Lake (Lacul Cincis)

Now, if you’re like me, you’re probably looking for a nice place to relax, somewhere in the middle of nature, where you can enjoy the fresh air. One of the best places to relax in Hunedoara is somewhere on the banks of Cincis Lake. Here you can find accommodations in the various villas and hotels built right on the edge of the lake. Once you’re set in, you can go hiking, fishing, exploring the area or just sunbathe in the sun, if the season allows it.

I for one stayed at „Vila Ponton”, which was right next to the lake, and also had a pool. I didn’t wake up early enough to take a picture of the sunrise over the lake, but I was told it’s magical.

4. Padureni Cathedral (Catedrala Padurenilor)

If you’re more into religious sites, there’s plenty of such destinations to visit in Hunedoara. I for one, am not a big fan of those, but if I get a chance to see some architecture, and it’s not out of my way, I will gladly do it.

Such an example is the Padureni Cathedral. It’s situated in Ghelari, which is a relatively small town. That didn’t stop them from building one of the largest Cathedrals from the region. An impressive work of architecture, that can be seen from a distance. Trust me, it’s huuuuge.

5. Ghelari Panorama

I stopped so see the Cathedral on the way to the Dragan-Muntean Memorial House. On the same road, just outside of Ghelari, you’ll see a wooden tower, where you can stop and admire the landscapes from a height.

This zone has some amazing landscapes, with picturesque scenery. The colors are amazing, regardless of the season.

6. Dragan Muntean Memorial House

Somewhere, in a small village called „Poienita Voinii”, you will find the memorial house of Dragan Muntean, a well known Romanian folk artist that was born in this region. He was renowned for his traditional songs, and now the house where he grew up is a small museum dedicated to him and Romanian Traditions. This place can be a bit tricky to reach, as it is off the main road, but if you’re around, it’s worth the stop.

Besides, the locals are very hospitable. We were greeted with traditional pies, and homemade rakija, or „palinca” as Romanians call it.

Inside the small museum, you can find traditional Romanian clothes, tools for working the field, traditional decorations and even a loom.

7. Govajdia Furnance

This may not seem much, as at the moment the place is not much more than some ruins, but it is a place full of history.

Govajdia was the first furnace with a continuous flow in Europe, and the second in the world. Also, it is said that here was smelted the cast iron that later became the famous steel from Resita, with which they built the Eiffel Tower.

8. Boli Cave (Pestera Bolii)

6 km North of Petrosani, along the Jiu Valley, you can find „Pestera Bolii”, a natural cave. One of the only natural caves from Romania that can be fully accessed along its whole length.

These are some of the main places you can visit in Hunedoara

I wasn’t able to visit the whole region just yet, so this guide is incomplete. However, I hope I will go back there and add more to the list. Also, I hope I inspired some people to come to see these beautiful attractions you can visit in Hunedoara, and around.

I want to thank Daniel Botea, from which I borrowed some of the images for this article :). If you wanna see more pictures taken by me, be sure to follow my Instagram!