As a recommendation for a stay, in order to be close to Deva I would definitely name Conacul Archia (Archia Mansion). The family business dates back to the year 1994. With thematic rooms, each and every single one differently painted and decorated, to bring an homage to nature elements or Romanian traditions, with a large pool, sauna, equitation and delicious, local meals…
Fortress of Deva and Conacul Archia
Built in the middle of 13th century, on the top of a volcano, surrounded by the Poiana Ruscă Mountains, the fortress is the source of Hungarian fables and an icon for Transylvania. Its mystically represents an attraction for tourists from all over the world and offers a great location for annual medieval festivals. What at first irritated me for being a rainy, with low visibility weather transformed into an unique scenery, which transported me back to an epoch I used to dream of as a child, with misty sky and the stony towers appearing from the blurred unseen. One could already imagine (or actually see?) the shape of nightmarish, although fabulous creatures painting themselves among endless corridors of masonry, walking up the wooden, ancient (they are safe!) steps, up to the watching tower, where only legends can suggest us the uncertain activities, which took place.
……. Conacul Archia is also privileged by its location. Near the forest, the domain of the hotel offers many hiking options, among the private orchard and across the river Valea Ursului (Bear’s Valley).
At 1200 m above the sea, in Orăștie Mountains, Sarmizegetusa Regia represents the capital of Dacia, before the domination of the Roman Empire (when the capital was transferred to Ulpia Traiana, another must destination, at around 60 km from here). A once in a lifetime experience, Sarmizegetusa displays the ruins of monuments and buildings, which supposedly had divine, as well as strategical, militarily roles.
Castelul Lupilor & Sarmizegetusa Regia
A stop at Castelul Lupilor is a must, while on the road from one destination to another. Built to remind of a medieval castle, the hotel is located in the village Chimindia, Hunedoara county, at a walk of only 20 minutes from Vila Giradini di Zoe (scroll down for more about the gardens). Unique, differentiated rooms, warmed pool inside and one outside for the hot weather, traditional food, piano and warm hosts wait for curious travellers, who want to escape the digital reality and experience medieval times, but in a luxurious atmosphere.
By using the imagination, one can see the ritual gatherings of Dacians, around the architecture built of stone and symmetrical placed, in order to represent hidden meanings and beliefs. It has been proposed, the Dacians used to pray at the God Zalmoxis.
With the time, the capital became famous as a gold resource and a mass exploitation of the place attacked its traditionally. Nevertheless, the monuments represent one of the most important historical founding for the Romanian past and is considered a gem worldwide.
Visiting times: daily from 9:00 to 20:00.
Entry tax: 10 lei adults
5 lei children, students and pensioners
Parcul Dendrologic Simeria
At around 10 kilometres from Deva one can find the jungle-like natural beauty of Simeria’s Dendrological Park.
More than 70 hectares of untamed, still equilibrated grown plants and uncountable arts of trees wait. One can follow the marked paths, guided by maps, but opting for wild, green roads is also recommended, for a deeper experience, in the heart of the woods, under the sound of Mureș River’s waves (although bathing is not really an attractive option, in such dangerous waters). Famous for holding the oldest and the rarest collection of plants, the project dating back to the 18th century, the park holds the title of the third biggest one of such kind in Europe.
Visiting times: every day of the week, from 8 to 20 o’clock.
Entry tax: 4 lei for adults
2 lei for children, pensioners and students.
I Giardini di Zoe
The project of the Italian Giovanni Savatelli, for her daughter Zoe, the gardens are designed to bring one back in the Renaissance period, in the magical surroundings of Tuscany, although being located near the village Banpotoc, in Hunedoara County. After an almost 10 years work, the splendour of roses, the oriental benches and the romantic fountains cover 7 hectares with surreal colours and smells, which change with season.
Visting times: from Saturday to Sunday: 09:00 – 18:00
(during the week, only with reservation)
Entry tax: 5 lei
For more information and for reservations visit the official page here.
Excurs
Where to drink the best coffee (Dionis Love for Wine) and eat delicious soups (The Refresh), while in Deva.
books on the walls in The Refresh…
thanks for reading 🙂