Alba Carolina Citadel
A star-shaped Vauban-style fortress built between 1715 and 1738, and the place where the union of Transylvania with Romania was voted in 1918. The short version: it's free, it never closes, and the museums take Mondays off.
- Citadel grounds
- Open 24/7 · free
- Museums
- Closed Mondays · 10:00–17:00 (18:00 in summer)
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours; a full day with museums
- Changing of the guard
- May–Sept: Fri & Sat evening, Sun 12:00
Changing of the guard
Soldiers in 18th-century Habsburg uniforms march between the Third and Fourth Gates. Friday evening and Sunday at noon bring the small guard (12 soldiers); Saturday evening is the large guard, with 22 soldiers, four horses and two cannon salvos at the end. It's free and takes place from May to the end of September.
Next ceremonies:
- Friday 25 September, 19:00
- Saturday 26 September, 19:00
- Sunday 27 September, 12:00
Museum opening hours
The National Museum of the Union (Babylon Building), the Union Hall and Museikon share the same hours:
| Period | Open |
|---|---|
| January – February | Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00–17:00 |
| March – April | Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00–17:00 |
| May – August | Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00–18:00 |
| September – December | Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00–17:00 |
Tickets
Adult tickets are 20 lei for the National Museum of the Union, 15 lei for the Union Hall and 10 lei for Museikon, with reduced prices for students and seniors and combined tickets for several sites. Prices can change — check mnuai.ro before you go.
What to see
- The Third Gate — the main baroque entrance, with imperial statues and reliefs.
- The Union Hall — where the 1 December 1918 declaration was adopted.
- The Coronation (Reunification) Cathedral — built in 1921–22, where King Ferdinand and Queen Marie were crowned.
- St. Michael's Roman Catholic Cathedral — 13th century, one of the oldest in Transylvania.
- The walls and bastions — walk the restored ramparts between the gates.
Our full Romanian guide has a map, suggested routes and cafés nearby: Cetatea Alba Carolina. For events this week, see things to do in Alba Iulia.
FAQ
Is the Alba Carolina Citadel free to visit?
Yes. The citadel is a public space, open 24 hours a day with free access. Only the museums inside (National Museum of the Union, the Union Hall, Museikon) charge admission.
When is the changing of the guard in Alba Iulia?
From May to the end of September: Friday and Saturday evenings (20:00 in summer, 19:00 in September) and Sunday at 12:00. The Saturday ceremony is the large one, with horses and two cannon salvos. It is free.
How long do I need for the citadel?
Two to three hours for the gates, walls, cathedrals and squares at an easy pace; a full day if you also visit the museums.
Are the museums open on Monday?
No. The National Museum of the Union, the Union Hall and Museikon are closed on Mondays all year (and also on Tuesdays in January–February).