It's worth timing a stroll inside the citadel for the daily changing of the guard ceremony, in which uniformed guards trot on horseback between the old gates, while solemn drumrolls and brass boom out.
Changing of the Guard
Transylvania
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
0.1 MILES
Alba Carolina Citadel is the crowning attraction of Alba Iulia. Within this star-shaped citadel are museums, churches and the Unification Hall that sealed…
-
Zosim Oancea Glass Icons Museum
26.56 MILES
This museum of painted icons, named after the priest who collected them, is a true hidden gem. Unlike the sombre wooden icons you’ll see elsewhere in…
-
0.09 MILES
Completed in 1291, this is Romania's most venerable Roman Catholic cathedral as well as the country's longest, at slightly over 89m. Royal tombs,…
-
0.22 MILES
Enter this incense-perfumed Orthodox cathedral, built in 1921–22, and gaze upwards at the soaring ceiling, gold decorations and lavish icons. The…
-
13.07 MILES
Seven-metre walls enclose this 13th-century citadel complex, once home to Saxon nobles. It's an atmospheric day trip from Alba Iulia, which lies a 30km…
-
0.05 MILES
Archaeologists unearthed the largest fort in Roman Dacia at this site, and you can admire the old walls and old hypocaust (heating system) within.
-
0.22 MILES
Out-of-sight Michael the Brave Church, brought to Alba Iulia in 1992 from Maramureş, stands on the site of a former Metropolitan cathedral built by Mihai…
-
0.12 MILES
Understand the background and impact of the 1918 signing of the union between Transylvania and Romania right where the historic event occurred, and browse…
Nearby Transylvania attractions
0.03 MILES
Obelisk raised in 1906 to commemorate soldiers and officers of the 50th infantry regiment of Alba Iulia, who were killed while fighting in the Habsburg…
0.05 MILES
Archaeologists unearthed the largest fort in Roman Dacia at this site, and you can admire the old walls and old hypocaust (heating system) within.
3. Equestrian Statue of Mihai Viteazul
0.05 MILES
An arresting statue of the 16th-century Wallachian prince, considered one of Romania's national heroes.
0.07 MILES
Within this 1900-built hall, the union between Romania and Transylvania was signed and sealed on 1 December 1918. The National Union Museum is opposite.
0.08 MILES
Once the residence of John Sigismund of Transylvania, this palace was built in several stages from the 16th century onwards. Mihai Viteazul stayed here…
0.09 MILES
Completed in 1291, this is Romania's most venerable Roman Catholic cathedral as well as the country's longest, at slightly over 89m. Royal tombs,…
0.1 MILES
Alba Carolina Citadel is the crowning attraction of Alba Iulia. Within this star-shaped citadel are museums, churches and the Unification Hall that sealed…
0.12 MILES
Understand the background and impact of the 1918 signing of the union between Transylvania and Romania right where the historic event occurred, and browse…