The 1st Gate of Alba Carolina fortress – the gate of the gods

By
Catalina

July 12, 2021

Type	Monument, Gate
Visiting Hours	Anytime
Ticket price	Free
Location	Mihai Viteazu Street, Alba Iulia, Romania, Europe

The 1st Gate is the first gate in the eastern part of the Alba Carolina fortress.

It was built of stone, has the shape of a triumphal arch and has three entrances, a big one and two smaller ones.

The 1st Gate of the fortress is a gate with representations from Greek mythology.

As you approach the gate to enter the Alba Carolina Citadel, the statues of the god Ares (Mars) and the goddess Aphrodite (Venus) look down on you, being silent witnesses at your entrance to the most beautiful fortress in Romania.

In the center, above the road access is the bicephalous eagle, crowned, on the chest of which is reproduced the monogram of Carol VI. It holds a scepter and a sword, symbols of power, and is the state emblem of the Austrian Empire.

On the outside facade, to the left side, above the pedestrian access, is represented Aeneas (Eneas), son of Anchises of Troy and the goddess Aphrodite, the legendary founder of Rome, who carries behind his father, saving him from the Troy set on fire by the Achaeans.

To the right side is Hercules, fighting with Anteus, the giant, son of Poseidon and Ghea.

On the inner façade on the left side, is represented Hercules killing the lion of Nemea.

On the inner façade on the right side is another mythological character, Perseus, son of Zeus and Danae, who holds up the severed head of the Medusa, requested by Polydectes. In his left hand is his sword, with the tip down, and at his feet is the beheaded body of the Gorgon.

monuments

1400AD-Present-Modern Era Europe Romania

The gates of the Alba Carolina bastion fortress

CatalinaJuly 21, 20212 min read

The gates of the Alba Carolina bastion fortress are not only ways to access the great fortress but also monuments and tourist attractions themselves. The eastern gates can be considered true artistic creations. The western ones are not as decorated as the eastern ones but they are also beautiful. It is worth walking through all the gates.