Sarmizegetusa Regia to limit August 2026 visits for restoration

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Sarmizegetusa Regia in Romania will implement a restricted visiting schedule throughout August 2026. To facilitate major restoration and conservation works at the X-th Terrace and the fortified enclosure, the site will only be open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 09:00 to 20:00. It will remain closed from Monday through Friday.

The restoration projects are being funded through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). The Hunedoara County Council stated that these temporary restrictions are essential to ensure works progress rapidly and safely without endangering visitors.

The decision has drawn criticism from local residents and guesthouse owners in the Grădiștea Valley. Local businesses, which rely heavily on tourist traffic, expressed concerns regarding the economic impact of the closures during the peak summer season. Many owners had previously petitioned authorities to find ways to continue the work without such significant restrictions on access.