ALBA IULIA

• Alba Iulia is a city in Alba County,Transylvania, Romania with a population of 66,747, located on the Mureş River. Between 1541—1690 it was the capital of Principality of Transylvania. The city is historically important for both Romanians and Hungarians.

Historical monuments• In Alba Iulia you can find a number of monuments and statuary important

both in terms of historical and arhitectural meanings.• Around the city, you cand find the most important a lot of monuments are

dedicated to Michael the Brave and the rebellion since 1784, and the two monuments situated in front of the University dedicated to the heroes from the battles who defended the city Custozza.

• Also in the city, in front of Union Hall are a group of statues of prominent personalities who have contributed to the Greater Union.

• Monuments and statues are also found outside the city walls, such as the statue of IC Bratianu, the statue of Mihai Eminescu and Lupoaica monument, representing the founding legends of Rome.

Equestrian statue and bas-reliefs dedicated to Michael the Brave• Located in front of the Royal palace, the statue of Michael the Brave was

made from bronze by the sculptor Oscar Han (1968).• Relief was achieved by Horia Flamandu (1975) and represent the Michael

the Brave receiving homage to the three countries united roman.• The length of the relief is 6.20 m and a width of 3 m and at the base is a

plate that is meant: “Here at Alba Iulia in 1600 as a symbol of the historical right of the Romanian people who live in unity, freedom and independence and which was achieved throught the struggle and the will of the people, by the bravery and genius of the great prince Michael the Brave, the great act of the first political union of the three principalities Romanian -> Romanian Country, Moldavia, Transylvania -> May 1975.”

The obelisk• In front of the third gate was built

in 1937, the initiative “Astra” and the contribution of population, a beautiful obelisk dedicated to the memory of the 1784-1785 rebellion leaders.

• It was made of granite by the architect E. Mihaltan and sculptor Negrulea.

• At the base of the obelisk we can see a cell in the eastern part of a winged Victory holding a laurel wreath in hand and the west and on bas-relief representing Horea, Closca and Crisan. On the foot of obelisk is the inscription: “Humble worship of Horea, Closca and Crisan” which express the homage brought to the three martyrs.

Custozza and Josenau Monument• In front of the University there is a park with a small monument

created in 1853 in memory of col. Ludwic von Josenau, who died in battle against troops led by general Bem.

• In the same park in front of University December 1, 1918, to the Union Hall in a small obelisk shaped monument surrounded by heavy chains interspersed with cannon balls.

• The monument was unveiled in 1906 in memory of soldiers and officers of the 50 Infantry Regiment of Alba Iulia, who died in battle at Custozza during the Austro-Italian war of 1866.

Monument on the hill fork

• Erected in honor of martyrs rebellion from 1784-1785, Horea, Closca and Crisan, monument, a stone obelisk, marks the spot where the wheel was set on the three martyrs.

Economy

• Alba Iulia is a rail junction and distribution center for a winemaking region, where poultry industry is developed and fruits and grains are grown.

• The town's light manufactures include leather goods, furniture, and footwear.

• The main export merchandise has been: footwear (16.4%), clothing (13,9%), leather items (10.8%), furniture (8.7%), ceramics (8.3%), equipment & mechanical (8.2%), cooper products (8.1%).

Culture

• Alba Iulia area synthesizes in a combined manner - through costume, tradition and customs - the influences from the Apuseni Mountains, from the surroundings of Mures, Sebes or Secas, the Romanians harmoniously living together with other nations settled here along ages. The famous vineyards of Alba Iulia, the melancholy Romanian folklore songs inspired from the genuine folklore of Mures valley and Apuseni Mountains, the beauty of costumes, the kindness and wisdom of the people, all these make this county a legendary realm.