If you happen to be visiting Cluj-Napoca or Oradea in the gorgeous region of Transylvania in Romania, consider taking a day trip to Fortress of Bologa.

The Fortress of Bologa stands on the road between Oradea and Cluj-Napoca. It was built in the XIIIth century , on high ground, to guard the road from Oradea to Transylvania.

A short history of Fortress of Bologa

The Fortress of Bologa appears in the first documents in 1319. It was most likely built as a royal fortress.

Later, it was given by the Hungarian King Sigismund, alongside the fortress of Bran, to the Romanian price, following an alliance against the Turks.

In the XVIIth century, when Turks took over the area, the fortress was a good hiding place for crooks. As a result the Turks ordered its demolition. The order was not executed but indeed , after some time, the fortress was destroyed by an explosion.

Part of the protection wall and the tower can still be seen. The vegetation has taken over so ,in the summer, it’s hard to see much of it. I’d venture to say early spring and late autumn are better times to visit.

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How to get to Fortress of Bologa

You can fly into Oradea or Cluj-Napoca and then take a train to Bologa. Ask the locals and they’ll be very helpful showing the way.

You can take a train directly to Bologa, most likely having to stop in Oradea or further east to change trains.

Or you can drive. Follow a road to the right (coming from Oradea) all the way to the sign marking the fortress. From there, it’s a 500m or so hike up, pretty easy, but with the sun on your face.

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