Costești-Blidaru Dacian Fortress
About Costești-Blidaru Dacian Fortress
The fortress on Blidaru Hill was one of the key points of the Dacian defensive system in the Orăștie Mountains. It stands on a 705 m hill between the Apa Grădiștii stream and the Faeragului valley, joined by a narrow saddle to the Muchia Faeragului ridge, and watched over the valley that led up to Sarmizegetusa Regia. It was built in two stages: first the eastern enclosure, an irregular trapezium with a tower at each corner, probably in the second half of the 1st century BC; then, in the 1st century AD, the fortress was extended westwards. The Romans destroyed it in the second Dacian war, in AD 105–106.
The walls, about 3 m thick, are built in the murus dacicus technique, inspired by Hellenistic models, and some blocks bear Greek letters, marks left by the stonemasons. The plateau of about 6,000 m², levelled by the Dacians, held a tower-dwelling, probably the residence of the commander, and stone storerooms, while on the slope below the north-west tower lay a vaulted cistern of almost 200 m³, lined with a Roman-style mortar. Systematic excavations began in 1953, led by Constantin Daicoviciu.
Since 1999 Costești-Blidaru has been part of the "Dacian Fortresses of the Orăștie Mountains", inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List together with Sarmizegetusa Regia, Costești-Cetățuie, Luncani-Piatra Roșie, Bănița and Căpâlna.
What you can see
The walls have been uncovered almost entirely and conserved after the excavations, so on the grassy plateau you can easily follow the outline of the two enclosures and of the square towers. You enter on the south side, where the footpath also arrives, through a dog-leg entrance: anyone who forced the tower gate came up against a wall and had to turn towards a second gate. Inside you can see the foundations of the tower-dwelling and traces of the rooms built against the wall, and from the edge of the plateau the view stretches over the Grădiștea valley and, to the north, as far as the Mureș valley.
Good to know
The fortress can only be reached on foot, by a path of about 50 minutes from Costești; the first stretch is the steepest.
Information verified on 7 October 2026.
- The dog-leg entrance on the south side, which forced attackers to change direction between two gates.
- The murus dacicus walls of large dressed limestone blocks, preserved along almost the whole outline of the fortress.
- The foundations of the tower-dwelling inside the enclosure, thought to be the residence of the commander of the fortress.
- The view from the edge of the plateau over the Grădiștea valley and, to the north, as far as the Mureș valley.
- The climb from Costești on the path waymarked with a blue stripe, combined on the same day with a stop at the Costești-Cetățuie fortress.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: leave the A1 motorway at Orăștie and follow county road DJ705A to Costești (~20 km). After crossing the bridge over the Apa Grădiștii, the path to the fortress starts on the left of the road, waymarked with a blue stripe (it is the start of the long ridge route Costești – Blidaru Fortress – Târsa – Godeanu Peak). The climb takes about 50 minutes, and the first stretch is the hardest. Orăștie is ~30 km from Deva, ~40 km from Alba Iulia and ~85 km from Sibiu on the A1.
Public transport: no regular service to Costești is known. The nearest railway station is Orăștie, from where you continue by car or taxi.
- Fees & discounts
No separate entry ticket for the fortress is known. Blidaru Fortress is listed among the sights of the Grădiștea Muncelului-Cioclovina Natural Park, whose visitor fee is 5 lei per person per day; it is paid to park staff on site, by SMS to 7473 (PNGMC1 = one person for one day, €1) or online. Exemptions include children under 14, people with disabilities and local residents.
- Rules
Keep to the waymarked path and do not climb on the walls: they are conserved ruins, a historic monument and a UNESCO site. The rules of the Grădiștea Muncelului-Cioclovina Natural Park apply. Wear hiking shoes and bring water: the path is earth, steep at first and slippery after rain.
- Facilities
Information panels at the fortress · no ticket office, toilets or shops at the site · supplies and guesthouses in Costești
Frequently asked questions about Costești-Blidaru Dacian Fortress
How much is a ticket to Costești-Blidaru Dacian Fortress?
A ticket to Costești-Blidaru Dacian Fortress costs 5 lei (natural park visitor fee). More under “Fees & discounts”
How long does a visit to Costești-Blidaru Dacian Fortress take?
A visit to Costești-Blidaru Dacian Fortress takes about 2 – 2½ hours (including the climb and descent).
Can you visit Costești-Blidaru Dacian Fortress with kids?
Yes, Costești-Blidaru Dacian Fortress is suitable for children (steep climb, no pushchairs).
How do I get to Costești-Blidaru Dacian Fortress?
Costești-Blidaru Dacian Fortress is located at On Blidaru Hill, about 50 minutes' walk uphill from the bridge over the Apa Grădiștii, off county road DJ705A, Costești, Hunedoara County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Costești-Blidaru Dacian Fortress?
The best season for Costești-Blidaru Dacian Fortress: May – October (path slippery after rain).
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