Alba-Carolina Citadel, Star-shaped fortress in Alba Iulia, Romania.
The Alba-Carolina Citadel is a star-shaped fortress in Alba Iulia that spans seven bastions connected by massive stone walls. The entire structure forms a perfect star pattern when viewed from above and occupies substantial grounds.
The fortress was built between 1715 and 1738 under Habsburg rule and designed by Italian architect Giovanni Morando Visconti. It served as a military stronghold and shaped the development of the region for generations to come.
Inside you will find several museums, including the National Museum of Unification, which displays artifacts from Romanian history. The rooms give a sense of how different peoples and cultures have shaped this place over time.
You can explore the fortress best on foot, as the pathways between the bastions are mostly walkable. Plan for several hours to thoroughly visit all seven bastions and the underground passages.
A daily guard-changing ceremony takes place at noon, with soldiers wearing Austrian military uniforms from the 18th century. This performance gives visitors a direct impression of how the garrison might have looked in its early years.
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