3. HistoryHistory
• Archaeological research
revealed the existence of
fortification traces on the citadel
hill since prehistoric and Dacian
times
• The medieval citadel of today is
considered to be built between
1211 and 1225, during the rule
of Teutonic Knights in
Burzeland, although there is no
evidence in this respect.
4. • Between 1848-1849, because the locality was being
crossed by the Hungarian revolutionaries and the
Austrian imperial troops, the villagers retreated to the
citadel. This was the last mission of the citadel as a
place of refugee and defence.
• In 1850, due to the political situation and the diminution
of the citadel’s defensive role, the fortification was
abandoned, becoming a ruin,
• There was only one guard left who had to announce the
outbreak of fires by tolling a bell.
• Because of the two world wars and the set up of the
communist regime in Romania, the citadel was restored
for the first time, barley, in the years 1955-1956.
5. The legend of the wellThe legend of the well
• The absence of an
internal water source
lead to the limitation of
long term resistance
during sieges. Because
of this lack, it was
decided to start the
digging of a well in the
rocky soil, in 1623.
6. • The legend around the well
says that during a siege, the
inhabitants of the citadel
made two Turkish prisoners
dig a well tn the middle of the
citadel in order the regain
their freedom. The captives
dug for 17 years, during
which time they wrote verses
from Quran on the well walls
which can be seen even
today. The fate of the
prisoners isn’t known, with
some saying that they were
released,and others that they
were killed.
7. • The well was used until
1850 when a broken
wheel in the well windlass
caused its abandonment.
• The elders from Râ novș
believe that deep in the
well lies a treasure at
least 300 years old.
However, recently
alpinists have closely
explored the well, without
finding any trace of it.
8. ArchitectureArchitecture
• The citadel has a simple architectonic style, similar to the
ordinary houses of the time and adapted to the
fortification requirements.
• The citadel is composed of two courts. The exterior court
is located in front of the eastern wall, edged by a fortified
wall, and fitted with a square tower.
9. The feudal art museumThe feudal art museum
• Inside the citadel there is a museum which, briefly
presents slices from the local history, the area’s habits
and crafts, and also gathers pieces and weapons from
the inhabitants past. The exhibition contains the following
sections: document photocopies, weapons, tools,
stamps and period objects.
