Alba Carolina Citadel

<p>Alba Carolina Citadel is one of those places where history isn't a footnote — it's something you breathe. You walk along walls three meters thick, pass under Baroque gates carved with lions and emperors, and suddenly realize you're inside one of the few completely-preserved Vauban-style star fortresses left in Eastern Europe.</p><p>It was built between 1715 and 1738 on a seven-bastion star plan — each bastion has its own name and story. Inside you'll find the Hall of the Union (where Romania's unification was signed in 1918), the Coronation Cathedral, a 13th-century Roman Catholic cathedral, the National Museum of the Union, and the Apor Palace. For something a little surreal, catch the changing of the guard at the Third Gate in period costume — it happens daily at noon in summer.</p><p>A friend's tip: wear comfortable shoes, there's a lot of walking. The best light is in the evening, when the walls turn warm gold and the crowds thin out. Entry to the grounds is free — you only pay for the museums. Good coffee in Citadel Square, on the east side.</p><p>If you have time, climb the bastion terraces. The view toward the mountains and the new town is unexpectedly beautiful, especially in autumn. This is the kind of place where, slowly, you stop feeling like a tourist.</p>