The Craisor Bastion at the Oradea Citadel has reached the finish line on a major restoration project valued at about RON 18 million, and local officials say the area will open to visitors starting next month.
Mayor Florin Birta said the work was financed through Romania’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan, with roughly RON 10 million in EU funding and about RON 8 million from the municipality. He added that EU-backed investments have reshaped the look of the citadel over the past two decades, with the city putting about EUR 25 million into the larger site through multiple projects.
Project manager Mihaela Neag said the intervention covered about 1,700 square meters and included an archaeological component tied to the site’s history. Crews removed about 10,500 cubic meters of earth, opening the door for extensive research. Neag also pointed to subsurface drainage installed beneath the paving, a detail that keeps water from collecting in the restored area even during heavy rain.
For mason contractors, the story is a clear reminder of what restoration work demands on real jobsites: coordination with archaeologists, protection of historic fabric, and decisions that respect the original masonry. During the works, archaeologists uncovered stone elements linked to the former Gothic cathedral, two cannonballs embedded in the masonry, and other artifacts. Neag said one standout find was a statue of an apostle that once supported altar columns.
Site supervisor Ioana Bob said the restoration required compatible materials, including old bricks recovered from demolition sites across Romania and Hungary. The work also highlighted original features of the bastion, including its round-path layout and defensive elements. City officials say other parts of the fortress still need restoration, including the Golden Bastion, the Red Bastion, and three curtain walls.
Read the full, original article from Agerpres here.