Central and Eastern Europe abound in medieval constructions of unseemly beauty and historic importance, among them being Deva Citadel, an underrated tourist destination.
Built in Roman style around the 13th century on a territory that had been inhabited ever since time immemorial (the neolithic era), Deva Citadel has represented “the key of Mures” for centuries, a strong Transylvanian bastion. Aside for its role as a fortress, guarding the land from attacks (and withstanding the Mongol invasion), Deva Citadel was meant as a feudal residence from the beginning. The citadel was most probably built by King Bela IV of Hungary around 1250. It is mentioned in a document released by his son, Stephen V, in 1269.
Since 1385, it served as residence for Transylvanian voivodas, being donated by Ladislau V to Transylvanian Prince John of Hunedoara in 1444 as a form of recognition for his victories against the Turks. In 1581, it becomes the possession of Ferenc Geszthy, the Governor of Transylvania, who builds the southern wing. In 1607, it is declared final and perpetual property of the Voivode of Transylvania in 1607 by the Diet.
Preacher Francisc David, the founder of the Reformed Church of Transylvania, is incarcerated here in 1579, where he only survives for a few months. During the coming centuries, the Habsburgs also left their mark, restoring part of the complex.
During the peasant revolt of Horia, Closca and Crisan in 1784, the Citadel was the refuge of the Magyar nobility. During the 1848 European Revolutions, the citadel was still under Hungarian rule, but an explosion caused by negligence in 1849 destroys it partially.
The Deva Citadel is currently property of the Romanian State. The last major restoration happened in 1950. There is an ongoing process of rehabilitation which has been in process for several years. Today, little is still left of its former glory, but watching the sun set melancholically over the ruins of the Citadel is an unforgettable moment. The access on the volcanic hill where the Citadel is located is only possible by cablecar. But Deva Citadel is well worth the effort of a road trip to Deva!