Trascău Fortress, Medieval castle ruin in Colțești, Romania.
Trascău Fortress is a medieval ruin situated on a 740-meter limestone hill featuring remaining defensive walls and two preserved towers from its original construction. The fortification spreads across the hilltop and once protected the inhabitants of the valley below.
The fortress was built in the 13th century by Count Thoroczkay following the Tartar invasion of 1241 and served as both a residence and defensive shelter. It played a key role in securing the region against future attacks.
The northern tower displays an inscription showing the Thoroczkay family built this fortress and held considerable power in the valley for generations. Visitors can see how central this family was to the area's identity.
The ruins lie about 50 kilometers from Alba Iulia and require a moderate hike to visit. The climb is rewarded with broad views across the surrounding landscape.
Archaeological research uncovered three distinct construction phases, including a five-level northern tower with storage chambers and specialized defense mechanisms. This layered building method reveals how residents adapted and reinforced the structure over time.
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