Colțești Fortress (Trascău Fortress)
About Colțești Fortress (Trascău Fortress)
Colțești Fortress, also known as Trascău Fortress (Torockóvár in Hungarian), stands on an isolated, steep limestone height west of the village of Colțești, in the commune of Rimetea. It was built towards the end of the 13th century, around 1296, after the Mongol invasion of 1241, by the noble Thoroczkay (Trascău) family, as a residence and refuge overlooking the road that ran through the valley.
In 1470 the fortress was confiscated by King Matthias Corvinus, in 1510 it returned to the Thoroczkay family, and in 1514 it was devastated by the rebel peasants led by György Dózsa. It was burned in 1703 by the imperial troops of General Tiege during the Kuruc uprising, and has been a ruin ever since. On the north tower, about 20 metres high, a stone plaque of 1832 recalls the building of the fortress.
Between 2022 and 2026 the fortress was consolidated and enhanced through a PNRR project of about 2 million euros, completed with the acceptance of the works in August 2026.
What you can see
A good part of the enclosure wall and two towers remain standing, the dominant one being the north tower. The restoration cleared the ruins of vegetation, consolidated the walls and set up visiting routes inside, with stairs, platforms and railings.
From the top you can see the Trascău Cliffs, the rock of Piatra Secuiului, the villages of Colțești and Rimetea and the surrounding ridges. The Thoroczkay-Rudnyanszky manor in the village has been fitted out as a tourist information point, with exhibition spaces.
Good to know
The works were accepted on 21 August 2026 and the fortress can be visited again. Opening hours and any fees could not be found in an official source; they can be confirmed with Rimetea town hall or at the information point in Colțești.
Information verified on 13 October 2026.
- The north tower, about 20 metres high, with the stone plaque of 1832 about the Thoroczkay family.
- The enclosure wall perched on the limestone rock, consolidated in the restoration completed in 2026.
- The viewpoints at the top, looking towards Piatra Secuiului, the Trascău Cliffs and the villages of Colțești and Rimetea.
- The ~2 km climb along the waymarked path from the centre of Colțești, through meadows and patches of woodland.
- The Thoroczkay-Rudnyanszky manor in Colțești, fitted out as a tourist information point.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: Colțești is on DJ 107 M, ~6 km from Rimetea, ~24 km from Aiud, ~32 km from Turda, ~53 km from Alba Iulia and ~64 km from Cluj-Napoca. From the village you walk up to the fortress, along an access road and then a path.
Public transport: regular services to Colțești could not be verified; the simplest way is to come by car or, from Rimetea, by a local transfer. From the centre of Colțești you follow the path waymarked with a blue triangle, ~2 km long with ~150 m of height gain, which takes about an hour.
- Where to park
In the village or at the side of the access road to the fortress, which was upgraded in the restoration project. Spaces and any restrictions should be checked on site.
- Fees & discounts
Entry fees could not be found in an official source; they can be confirmed with Rimetea town hall or at the information point in Colțești.
- Rules
Stay on the marked routes and stairs, do not climb on the walls and keep away from the edge of the rock. Wear shoes with a good sole, especially after rain. Do not leave litter or light fires. Pets must be kept on a lead.
- Facilities
Tourist information point in the Thoroczkay-Rudnyanszky manor in Colțești · stairs, platforms and railings in the fortress · viewpoints · sloping ground, not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs
Frequently asked questions about Colțești Fortress (Trascău Fortress)
- How long does a visit to Colțești Fortress (Trascău Fortress) take?
- A visit to Colțești Fortress (Trascău Fortress) takes about 1 – 1½ hours (the climb, ~1 hour).
- Can you visit Colțești Fortress (Trascău Fortress) with kids?
- Yes, Colțești Fortress (Trascău Fortress) is suitable for children (~2 km climb, with slopes).
- Where can I park at Colțești Fortress (Trascău Fortress)?
- There is free parking at Colțești Fortress (Trascău Fortress) (in the village or on the access road). In the village or at the side of the access road to the fortress, which was upgraded in the restoration project. Spaces and any restrictions should be checked on site.
- How do I get to Colțești Fortress (Trascău Fortress)?
- Colțești Fortress (Trascău Fortress) is located at Above the village of Colțești, at the end of the waymarked path from the village centre, Colțești, Alba County. By car: Colțești is on DJ 107 M, ~6 km from Rimetea, ~24 km from Aiud, ~32 km from Turda, ~53 km from Alba Iulia and ~64 km from Cluj-Napoca. From the village you walk up to the fortress, along an access road and then a path. Public transport: regular services to Colțești could not be verified; the simplest way is to come by car or, from Rimetea, by a local transfer. From the centre of Colțești you follow the path waymarked with a blue triangle, ~2 km long with ~150 m of height gain, which takes about an hour.
- When is the best time to visit Colțești Fortress (Trascău Fortress)?
- The best season for Colțești Fortress (Trascău Fortress): April – October (most pleasant in the warm season).
Reviews
Other attractions nearby
The closest attractions to Colțești Fortress (Trascău Fortress), sorted by distance.
8 km from Colțești Fortress (Trascău Fortress)
10 km from Colțești Fortress (Trascău Fortress)
