Museum of Dacian and Roman Civilization Deva

Despre acest obiectiv

## Museum of Dacian and Roman Civilization – A Bridge Between Past and Present The Museum of Dacian and Roman Civilization in Deva traces its origins to the late 19th century, when history and archaeology enthusiasts established an institution dedicated to preserving the artifacts discovered in Hunedoara County. Founded in the 1880s, the museum evolved from the initiative of the *Historical, Archaeological, and Natural History Society of Hunedoara County*, which collected archaeological objects, documents, coins, and ethnographic pieces. After 1882, archaeological research in the area of the Dacian fortresses in the Orăștie Mountains—such as Banita, Cozia, and Câmpuri Surduc—transformed the profile of the collections, giving them a strong Dacian and Roman dimension. Following the Union of Transylvania with Romania, the institution was taken over by Hunedoara County and renamed the *Hunedoara County Museum*. In the interwar period, the collections were enriched through excavations at Zlatna-Corabia, Casolt, Hobita, Micia, and Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa, consolidating the museum’s role as the primary custodian of the region’s archaeological heritage. ## Magna Curia – The Museum’s Historic Home The museum is housed in the *Magna Curia* building, an emblematic historic monument of Deva. Constructed in the 16th century and remodeled in the Renaissance style in the 17th century, this noble residence was initially owned by the Bethlen family before becoming the property of the Princes of Transylvania. Its architecture combines Gothic and Renaissance elements, with facades adorned with arcades and Venetian-style windows, reflecting the opulence of the era. The interior features exhibits illustrating the evolution of Dacian and Roman civilizations, as well as ethnographic pieces, folk art, and natural science items, organized into thematic exhibitions. ## Visitor’s Guide The museum is located at 39 1 Decembrie Boulevard, in the center of Deva. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM). In addition to its main location, the institution oversees several other sections in the county: the *Sarmizegetusa Archaeology Section*, the *Orăștie Ethnography and Folk Art Section* and *Brad*, as well as the memorial houses of *Aurel Vlaicu*, *Crișan*, and *Avram Iancu*. For a complete experience, visitors are encouraged to combine their museum visit with an exploration of the nearby Dacian fortresses in the Orăștie Mountains.