ALBA IULIA
The imposing fortifications of Alba Iulia dominate the southwestern outskirts of Transylvania (not M. Karlsburg lub Weissenburg, hungary. Gyula Fehervar; colloquial name used by local residents -Balgrad). The first settlement near the Marusza river (Mures), between today's cities of Cluj and Deva, was established in the 12th century. p.n.e., then the Dacians erected a defensive structure called Apoulon here, and then the Romans transformed it into the stronghold of Apulum. Destroyed by itinerant peoples, reborn in the 7th century. n.e. as partially Slavic Balgrad, that is, the white city.
In years 1542-1690 it was the capital of the Principality of Transylvania, here also in the year 1600 and again in 1918 Transylvania's union with Romania was proclaimed.
Contemporary Alba Iulia, capital of the Alba district, it is famous for the best sparkling wines in this country (are produced annually 3 million bottles). A few hours is enough to visit the city.
Orientation
Adjoining train and bus stations are distant from the citadel about 2 km to the south. You go from them with any bus marked "center” (0,20 $, payable upon entry) two stops to bulevardul 1 December, near the Cultural Center (House of Culture). Walking straight east through the citadel from here, you can over 15 minutes to see almost everything, Interestingly.
Luggage storage at the train station is open 24 hours a day.
Information
Tourist offices – OJT office at Hotel Transifoania, Iuliu Maniu street 22, it is not really useful for anything (does not have addresses of private accommodation).
Automobil Clubul Roman office and service point (tel.812485) are located on the Republicia strada 64, not far from the citadel.
Money – Traveler's checks can be exchanged at a BANC branch, near Magazin Universal (pn.-pt. 9.00-13.00).
Post and telecommunications – Telephone exchange (codz. 7.00-21.00) at the Main Post Office, it is located at Piaja Eroilor. Code to Alba Iulia: 058.
Travel Agencies CFR Office (pn.-pt. 8.00-17.00) is located at strada Mojlor, opposite the Magazin Universal.
Sightseeing
The Mihai Viteazul Strada runs from the lower town to the driveway that leads to the gate of the citadel of Alba Carolina. Fortifications in the style of Sebastien Vauban, with seven bastions and six gates, designed by the Italian architect Giovanni Visconti, erected in the years 1714-1741. The obelisk in front of the gate commemorates the peasant uprising of 1784 r., at the head of which they stood – imprisoned here later – Shell, Crisan and Horea. The latter's cell is above the gate.
Continue straight through the citadel area, you reach the large horse statue of Michał the Brave (Michael the Brave), the king, which united Romania (Wallachia, Moldova and Transylvania) for the first time in history, but for a short time – in years 1593-1601. 1 November 1599 he came to Alba Iulia, celebrating the unification of the three principalities under his scepter. One year later, after the betrayal of one of the generals and the murder of the ruler, the union fell apart.
The monument stands in front of the Unification Hall, where 1 of December 1918 r. "Great Congregation” signed one more act on the merger of Romania with Transylvania. Around 100 000 Romanians from Transylvania, Banatu and Mures County.
The Reunification Museum is across the street (closed. pn.), open in 1888 r. The rich historical collections are described only in Romanian.
The Catholic cathedral rises right behind the monument, built on the site of a Romanesque church, destroyed during the Tatar invasion of 1241 r. Many famous princes of Transylvania lie here, m.in. Jan z Hunedoary (rum. Iancu de Hunedoara, hungary. Janos Hunyady), which in 1456 r. he defeated the Turks at Belgrade and earlier fought with them at Varna alongside the Polish king Władysław.
Neighboring cathedral, with a 52-meter bell tower, was built for the coronation of Ferdinand I and Maria St. 1921 r.
Night and gastronomy
It is difficult to find private accommodation, a kemping Inside Solcu, 3 km south of the city, by dear DAYS, was closed at the time of writing.
The cheapest hotel is Parc (tel.811723), Primaverii street 4. Comfortable rooms with direct telephones cost money 23/29 $; You can count on friendly service at the hotel; Visa and MasterCard are accepted.
At the five-story Transilvania Hotel (tel.812547), Iuliu Mniu street 22, remembering the years 60., for the rooms they want up 30/45 $. The hotel's restaurant is smoky, but otherwise pretty decent.
At the twelve-story Cetatea Hotel (tel.823804), on the other side of town, Union square 3, single / double with bathroom costs 26/40 $.
Journey
Train – Direct express lines from Timisoara run to Alba Iulia, Thunder, Closed, Sighisoary, Brasov, Suceava and Jass. From Sibiu (92 km, 3 time.) travel by passenger train with change in Vintu de Jos. Coming by passenger train from Sighisoara or Cluj (or the other way), sometimes you have to change at Teius.
Bus – Direct buses from Alba Iulia Station go to Sibiu (3 daily, 71 km), Closed (2 daily, 96 km) and Oradei (1 daily, 243 km).