Horea, Cloșca and Crișan Obelisk, Alba Iulia, Historical monument in Alba Iulia, Romania.
The Horea, Cloșca and Crișan Obelisk is a stone monument standing in front of the third gate of Alba Carolina Citadel, topped with a statue of the goddess Victoria. The structure sits on an artificial hill and displays bas-reliefs depicting historical figures and scenes, with an allegorical chamber at its base.
The monument commemorates the leaders of a peasant uprising that took place in 1784 against feudal rule. Horea, Cloșca and Crișan were executed in 1785, and this memorial was erected later to honor their resistance.
The monument was designed by sculptor Iosif Fekete and architect Octavian Mihaltan, blending Art Deco elements with national symbols. The carved reliefs and statue reflect how the place honors important moments in the region's memory.
The monument sits on an elevated spot in front of the citadel gates and is easy to spot from the road. Visitors can walk around the structure to explore the carved details and the statue on top, especially when the light is favorable.
The foundation of the monument was built using oak trunks that began to deteriorate after about 90 years, causing the structure to visibly tilt. This shift shows how time affects the original construction and makes the work an example of how historical structures struggle against the elements.
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