Costești-Blidaru Dacian fortress

Welcome to the ancient fortress of Costesti Blidaru. You are standing deep within the Orastie Mountains in central Romania, surrounded by dense, ancient forests. …

Walk along the perimeter of the ruins to examine the massive defensive walls. This is where the sheer engineering brilliance of the Dacians becomes obvious. …

At the corners of the fortress, you can see the foundations of massive, square towers. Stand within the footprint of one of these structures. …

Move inward toward the center of the complex. Blidaru is unique because it actually consists of two distinct enclosed areas, built in different phases. …

Seek out the large, deep rectangular depression near the center of the ruins. This is the great cistern, arguably the most vital structure in the entire fortress. …

While Blidaru was strictly a military installation, it is impossible to ignore the spiritual context of the Dacian people. Just a few valleys over at Sarmizegetusa Regia, the sacred area contains massive circular and…

Walk to the southern edge of the plateau and look out over the vast expanse of the Orastie valley. From this commanding height, a Dacian sentry could see enemy movement miles away. …

As you prepare to make the steep descent back down through the forest, take one last look at the ruined walls of Costesti Blidaru. It is rare to encounter the physical remains of the Dacian Kingdom so intimately. …