The Roman fort of Arutela in Romania has recently undergone a costly restoration, but the result has not been met with widespread admiration. On the contrary – the monument’s new look has sparked an avalanche of negative comments and accusations of destroying a historical relic of the Roman Empire. Behind this whole online storm lies a more complex story.
The Roman Fort of Arutela in Romania
Castrul Roman Arutela is situated in the village of Păușa, in central Romania. The Romans built their fort here around 137–138 CE, during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. The construction was carried out by the Numerus Syrorum sagittariorum, a unit of Syrian archers. Arutela was part of the Limes Alutanus system, which secured the northern border of Roman Dacia. Since 2024, the ‘Frontiers of the Roman Empire – Dacia’ complex, including Arutela, has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The fort’s location was of considerable military and strategic importance. From this position, the Romans controlled the route running through the Olt Valley across the Carpathians, whilst the nearby watchtower allowed them to monitor movement towards the mountain passes.
Castrul Roman Arutela and its history
The fort had an almost square plan with sides approximately 60 metres long, whilst the stone walls were around 1.6 metres thick. They were built of stone bonded with mortar, using the opus incertum technique, in which larger, partially dressed blocks were combined with smaller and irregular fragments. Arutela had four gates. The main porta praetoria faced east and was flanked by two square towers. Smaller, trapezoidal defensive towers stood at the corners. Inside, the complex included, amongst other things, the commander’s quarters and storehouses. About 40 metres from the fort, there were thermal baths. Centuries later, the western part of the site was regularly destroyed by the rising waters of the River Olt, which flows nearby. Further significant damage was caused by the construction of the Râmnicu Vâlcea–Râul Vadului railway line between 1897 and 1902. During this work, many elements that had survived to this day were damaged.
The Roman fort of Arutela had been reconstructed previously
The first comprehensive investigations of the ruins were carried out in the 19th century, more specifically during the construction of the ill-fated railway. Two inscriptions were discovered at that time, enabling the date of the fort’s construction to be established. Between 1891 and 1892, excavations were carried out by the archaeologists Grigore Tocilescu and Pamfil Polonik. Systematic research resumed between 1967 and 1970 and again in 1978. The most significant phase of the work took place in 1982 and 1983. During this period, a partial reconstruction of the ruins was undertaken according to a design by the architect Aurel Teodorescu, based on documentation by Cristian M. Vlădescu. The work was supervised by engineer C. Panco. As part of this, the Roman gate and its two towers were reconstructed to their form prior to the most recent restoration. Thus, Arutela’s previous appearance was also the work of contemporary researchers and builders, and, moreover, contained errors which it was decided to correct this year.
12.4 million lei for the new restoration
The project, completed on 30 June this year, was entitled ‘Revitalisation of the Roman Fortified Camp of Arutela and Development of Multifunctional Spaces’, and its total value amounted to approximately 2.5 million euros. The lead designer was the architect Ion Ghica, with the involvement of conservation specialist Iuliana Camui. In addition to work on the ruins themselves, infrastructure for visitors was created, along with an exhibition on the history of the site, administrative facilities, footpaths, car parks, green spaces and an area for outdoor events.
The new Roman fort at Arutela has divided opinion online
Following the completion of the works, Arutela looks more complete than before. The walls have been raised and partially plastered, a new stone surface has been laid, the surroundings have been tidied up, and the gate itself has been restored to a clearly recognisable form. The towers have also been raised. However, the results of the restoration have provoked a very strong reaction in many quarters. There has been no shortage of comparisons of the fort to Disneyland, a playground or a cheap film set, as “the monument no longer looks like a monument”. The Ministry of Culture and some experts defend the project, highlighting the very thorough research carried out beforehand and the consultation process regarding the future form of Castrul Roman Arutela.
Felix Marcu, director of the National Museum of Transylvanian History and chair of the Romanian Limes Commission, pointed out that the gate built in the 1980s was also a reconstruction. UNESCO documentation also highlighted the need to amend the structure, as it contained inaccuracies. Our current understanding of Roman structures within the former empire is much greater and has enabled the necessary changes to be made so that the appearance of this section of the wall is as close as possible to the original from hundreds of years ago. It is also worth noting that the restoration utilised materials and techniques known from the 2nd century, that is, from the period when Castrul Roman Arutel was built. The light colour of the plaster still catches the eye, but over time the colours will acquire a noble patina.
Source: ran.cimec.ro, cercetari-arheologice.ro, historia.ro
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Arutela Fort before and after restoration. Photo: Google Maps, Tudor Urea and cultura.ro
