Porolissum Archaeological Complex
Moigrad-Porolissum, Sălaj County · Transylvania
About Porolissum Archaeological Complex
At a glance: Monuments and historic sites in Moigrad-Porolissum, Sălaj County. Opening hours: daily 09:00 – 21:00. Ticket: 11 lei. The visit takes 1½ – 2 hours. Information verified on 10 October 2026.
Porolissum was the gateway town of Roman Dacia to the north-west. Trajan founded a fortification here in AD 106, in the pass known as the Meseș Gate, which led from the Carpathians into the province. From around AD 124 the settlement became the capital of the province of Dacia Porolissensis, and under Septimius Severus it was granted the rank of municipium. The Romans left Dacia in 271, but the place remained inhabited for several more centuries.
The complex covers some 500 hectares, of which less than a tenth has been investigated. It includes the large fort on Pomăt hill (300 × 240 m, the largest fort for auxiliary troops in Dacia), the small fort on Citera, the civil town with its forum and basilica, the amphitheatre, several temples, the customs post at the entrance to the town and stretches of the limes. Since 2024 Porolissum has been part of "Frontiers of the Roman Empire – Dacia", inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
What you can see
You enter through the Roman customs post, the first of its kind known in the Empire, then climb a paved stretch of the imperial road, where cart tracks can still be seen on the slabs. The gates of the fort, including the Porta Praetoria with its two towers, have been reconstructed on the lines of the originals. Inside lie the foundations of the principia (the headquarters building) and of the praetorium, the paved streets and the corner towers. Further down spreads the civil town, with its forum and basilica, and the temples include those of Liber Pater, of the god Bel, built by soldiers from Palmyra, and of Jupiter Dolichenus.
The stone amphitheatre, inaugurated in AD 157 according to an inscription, has the largest arena in the province and a wide view over the Meseș hills. Information panels along the route explain each area.
Good to know
The site is in the open, on hills and almost without shade: wear good footwear and bring water and a hat in summer. Access is permitted only along the marked routes. The official sources give slightly different opening hours, so check before you go.
- The Porta Praetoria, the main gate of the fort, with its two reconstructed stone towers.
- The paved stretch of the Roman imperial road, with cart tracks still visible on the slabs.
- The stone amphitheatre of AD 157, with an elliptical arena and a view over the Meseș hills.
- The principia and the praetorium in the large fort on Pomăt hill.
- The Roman customs post at the entrance and the temples of the civil town, including that of the god Bel.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: from Zalău drive towards Moigrad on the DJ191C and DC21, about 15 km, ~25 minutes. From Cluj-Napoca it is ~80 km on the DN1F to Zalău, then the road to Moigrad.
Public transport: we found no confirmed public transport connection to the site. From Zalău, the safe options are a car or a taxi.
- Fees & discounts
Adults 11 lei, seniors 6 lei, pupils and students 6 lei; children under 7 enter free. Free for people with disabilities and their personal assistant, for children with disabilities and their companions, and for staff of tourist information centres. Commercial photography or filming costs 341 lei/hour and needs the approval of the Sălaj County Council.
- Rules
Access is only along the marked routes, and the fee is payable whichever direction you enter from. Fires, camping, picnics, alcohol, and vehicles or bicycles inside the site are not allowed; park only in the designated areas. Do not climb on the walls or interfere with the panels and markers. Groups can request a guide at least 48 hours in advance on +40 748 331 903.
- Facilities
Information panels along the route · audio guide in the izi.travel app · guide for groups, by appointment · toilets
Frequently asked questions about Porolissum Archaeological Complex
- How much is a ticket to Porolissum Archaeological Complex?
- A ticket to Porolissum Archaeological Complex costs 11 lei (seniors and pupils 6 lei). Adults 11 lei, seniors 6 lei, pupils and students 6 lei; children under 7 enter free. Free for people with disabilities and their personal assistant, for children with disabilities and their companions, and for staff of tourist information centres. Commercial photography or filming costs 341 lei/hour and needs the approval of the Sălaj County Council.
- What are the opening hours of Porolissum Archaeological Complex?
- Opening hours at Porolissum Archaeological Complex: daily 09:00 – 21:00. Daily, all year, 09:00–21:00 according to the official website porolissum.ro. The visiting regulations, published by the administrator (ADI Țara Silvaniei), give 08:00–20:00; phone before you travel. The last entry is one hour before closing.
- How long does a visit to Porolissum Archaeological Complex take?
- A visit to Porolissum Archaeological Complex takes about 1½ – 2 hours (the fort, the town and the amphitheatre).
- Can you visit Porolissum Archaeological Complex with kids?
- Yes, Porolissum Archaeological Complex is suitable for children (free under 7).
- How do I get to Porolissum Archaeological Complex?
- Porolissum Archaeological Complex is located at Access road to the fort from the village of Moigrad-Porolissum (Mirșid commune), about 15 km from Zalău, Moigrad-Porolissum, Sălaj County. By car: from Zalău drive towards Moigrad on the DJ191C and DC21, about 15 km, ~25 minutes. From Cluj-Napoca it is ~80 km on the DN1F to Zalău, then the road to Moigrad. Public transport: we found no confirmed public transport connection to the site. From Zalău, the safe options are a car or a taxi.
- When is the best time to visit Porolissum Archaeological Complex?
- The best season for Porolissum Archaeological Complex: April – October (open all year, no shade).
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