Romania has been an epic surprise to me as far as a travel destination goes. I’ve visited many of its wonderful cities, castles, and citadels mostly due to high recommendations I’ve heard from other travelers I’ve met within the country. But, I’ve never heard anything about Alba Iulia. I only found out about it when I was exploring Corvin Castle and on the way to Cluj-Napoca.
Alba Iulia Coronation Cathedral Gallery
I was traveling with another traveler, Derek, and we decided to check out the city. We tried to book, what seemed like the only hostel the city, but because of a festival (Alba Fest), had no rooms available. We ended up with a room at the Central Hotel and between the two of us made the price reasonable.
St. Michael’s Cathedral, Alba Iulia
It was already dark when we got settled in and I decided to explore the area. I stumbled into what seemed like a fortress. There were some noise and fireworks with masses of people congregating in the area so I was curious. It turned out to be a massive festival called Alba Fest, featuring a free concert by Romanian Pop Star Inna and some other musicians with international acclaim.
DREAMING OF TRAVEL?
Tired of your office and cubicle job? Want to go on a grand adventure around the world but can't afford it? Why not work overseas? Check out Search Jobs Abroad and find an international job now!I don’t know who Inna is but I recognized one of the songs she has collaborated with Daddy Yankee – More Than Friends. We caught the tail end of the concert and it ended with a bang of fireworks. The vibe in town seemed very festive with people lots of people going out to join the party.
Inna and crew Alba Fest
I’ve regretted the fact that I haven’t done much research about the city. Alba Iulia turned out to be the home of the largest citadel in Romania (Carolina Citadel) and of unique revolutionary design. The city even served as a capital during in the Roman Empire and once again during the medieval times in Transylvania. The fortress had a lot of Baroque trimmings. It kind of reminds me of those symmetrical fortresses and castles in France. There’s a Roman Orthodox Cathedral with yellow colored Pavilions and galleries surrounding it. There’s an old Roman Catholic Cathedral next to it, just outside its galleries.
Alba Carolina Defense Walls
GET THE CHEAPEST FLIGHTS
Don't have set date for travel? Just enter in which month you want to travel. Let the flight search find the cheapest deal and then set up an alert. You'll get a message when the price drops on your holiday weekend! You can also download the app on your mobile phone for convenience. By far the best app I've used so far to find great deals on flights.
Alba Iulia Orthodox Church
Moats and double walls surround the fortress. It looked like it would have been an epic undertaking for whoever decided to attack it. Any would-be attackers would have been exposed to a barrage of musket and cannon fire as they approach the walls. The city itself, if looked above, is shaped like a star. Its shape might have served a strategic purpose during a war.
GET THE CHEAPEST FLIGHTS ON JETRADAR
Looking for fast ways to find the cheapests flights possible? Check out Jetradar.But the mood on this day was not about war. It was festive and merry. Alba Fest, from what I can gather on the web, is a festival that happens during the last weekend of May.
Alba Fest Cotton Candy
As typical with these festivals, there’s beers and some sort of barbecue. We scoured the various vendors looking for craft brewed beers and followed our noses whichever direction smelled good. I spent most of the day going back and forth exploring the citadel, eating sausages and drinking beer. I did wander a little outside the citadel for a bit but the views started to become a bit industrial so I decided to go back to where the party was in the citadel.
The rest of Alba Iulia
Alba Iulia was quite a surprise! Derek and I came accidentally stumbled upon the Alba Fest and I’m glad we did. We got to the city greeted by a concert with fireworks, tasty food, and beer. It’s just one of the many additions to the many surprising things Romania has in store. If you’re traveling by land in Romania and Alba Iulia happens to be in your way. Hop on out and at least spend a day exploring biggest fortress in Central Europe or better yet, time your journey to coincide with one of its many festivals like the Alba Fest.
 | Looking for a Europe Guidebook and something cool to read? Get the LP Europe Guide! |
More Photos:
Check out Alba Iulia
- It’s only 70 kilometers from Sibiu making an ideal stop over if you’re going to Cluj or Timisoara. Also worthwhile if you’re coming from the latter on the way to Sibiu.
- The bus is faster than the train but the train is a bit more comfortable.
- There’re very few hostels operating in the area so it might be better to book a hotel if you’ve got company.
- The Corvin Castle is nearby and a must visit if you’re in the area.
A DAY IN BREAKDOWN
- Bus from Sibiu to Alba Iulia – $8 (32 RON)
- Hotel in Center – $25 (a person)
- Breakfast at Hostel – Free (included)
- Lunch/Dinner/Drinks/Snacks at Festival – $15
- TOTAL: $48
HAVE YOU BEEN TO ALBA IULIA?
