Roman Fort at Gilău
Gilău, Cluj County · Transylvania
About Roman Fort at Gilău
The fort at Gilău was built at the start of the 2nd century, in the time of Trajan, on a terrace overlooking the Someșul Mic valley, about 16 km from Napoca. From here the road from the west was watched, along the valleys of the Crișul Repede, the Căpuș and the Someșul Mic, as well as access to the mining area of the Apuseni Mountains. The first fortification, of earth and timber, measured 130 × 116 m and was protected by two or three ditches. Around 118–119, in the time of Hadrian, the infantry was replaced by a cavalry unit, the ala Siliana, brought from Pannonia, and the fort was enlarged to 221 × 137.5 m. Towards the end of the 2nd century it was given stone walls, towers and monumental gates. A vicus, a civilian settlement of soldiers' families, craftsmen and traders, grew up beside the walls. Since 2024 the fort has been part of "Frontiers of the Roman Empire – Dacia", inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Research began in 1949 and continued mainly between 1976 and 2000, with new finds in 2024–2025, among them the via decumana, a 5.2 m wide road of gravel and river boulders. The gates have been uncovered, along with the headquarters (principia) with underfloor heating, the commander's residence (praetorium), the barracks, a corner tower with walls more than a metre thick, three military diplomas, inscriptions and a bronze parade mask for a cavalry helmet, kept at the National Museum of the History of Transylvania.
What you can see
The ruins lie in the park of Rákóczi-Bánffy Castle, next to the building, in a setting of old parkland. On the ground are the walls, preserved to foundation level, while explanatory panels in Romanian, Hungarian and English, with graphic reconstructions of the walls, towers, gates and military buildings, show what the fort looked like. The north wall of the fortification has been preserved and displayed in a new building on the grounds, intended as a café.
Good to know
The nearby castle is a separate attraction. The fort has been landscaped through restoration and enhancement works (paths, panels), but no visiting schedule is published, and access to the park may depend on the castle's administrator, the Transylvanian Traditions Foundation. The photo below predates the landscaping.
Information verified on 12 October 2026.
- The preserved walls of the fort of the ala Siliana, in the castle park.
- The panels with graphic reconstructions of the gates, towers and barracks.
- The north wall of the fortification, preserved inside a new building on the grounds.
- Rákóczi-Bánffy Castle, in the same park, with a story of its own.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: Gilău is about 15 km west of Cluj-Napoca, on the DN1 (E60) towards Oradea. The fort is in the castle park, the main entrance being on strada 1 Decembrie 1918, no. 243.
Public transport: Gilău is linked to Cluj-Napoca by local and metropolitan transport; check timetables in advance.
- Where to park
At the castle's reopening in 2024 visitors were advised to park in the centre of Gilău and walk to the main entrance.
- Fees & discounts
No official fee for visiting the fort is published. At the castle's reopening in May 2024, entry to the grounds was free.
- Rules
A site protected by law: do not climb on the walls, do not take anything from the ground and follow the park's rules.
- Facilities
Panels in Romanian, Hungarian and English · landscaped park
Frequently asked questions about Roman Fort at Gilău
- How long does a visit to Roman Fort at Gilău take?
- A visit to Roman Fort at Gilău takes about 45 min (estimate; ruins, panels, the park).
- Can you visit Roman Fort at Gilău with kids?
- Yes, Roman Fort at Gilău is suitable for children (outdoors, in the park).
- How do I get to Roman Fort at Gilău?
- Roman Fort at Gilău is located at Strada Nurcăriei, in the park of Rákóczi-Bánffy Castle, Gilău, Cluj County. By car: Gilău is about 15 km west of Cluj-Napoca, on the DN1 (E60) towards Oradea. The fort is in the castle park, the main entrance being on strada 1 Decembrie 1918, no. 243. Public transport: Gilău is linked to Cluj-Napoca by local and metropolitan transport; check timetables in advance.
- When is the best time to visit Roman Fort at Gilău?
- The best season for Roman Fort at Gilău: April – October (nicest in summer, outdoors).
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