CITADEL OF ARAD

The current fortress of Arad is one of the most important historical monuments existing currently in the area west of the country.
Raised in the second half of the XVII century, the fortress was regarded as one of the most impressive military fortifications of those times. Among what we are trying to present reasons for building this impressive edifice. With the conclusion of the Austro-Turkish wars in the first half of the age alXVIII century and after the occupation of Transylvania, Banat and the other territories by the Habsburg Empire, it was expected the construction of military fortifications in the regions occupied until then to ensure dominance in these zone.

Also Chancellery in Vienna drew up a strategic plan that provide a lifting belt of fortresses between the interior area close the border empire south and east. From among these castles were part of fortifications from Oradea, Timisoara and Arad. The fortress of Arad has been personally approved by the empress Maria Theresa and her son Joseph II. New fortress of Arad, in accordance with the imperial plan, had to replace the old fortress arădeană and correspond in terms of contemporary art military. As a building chosen was a peninsula of Mures (on the left side) that the city has assigned a military authorities. Construction of the fortress, at that time, the problem was related strămutării town field Zimand, because of the fortress to the open fire. Resistance population and calls resulted in Vienna to suspend this idea. Building Fortress, the architect of the opera Harsch, began in the summer of 1763, after the Vauban and construction is a form of double star with 6 corners, with walls strong defense pillbox and other military construction.

The works have lasted 20 years, with little interruption caused mainly by lack of employment, so that the fortress was completed in 1783. After completing work in the fortress were located various military units and so Arad has become a military-political center of the Austrian domination in the area. History fortress in more than 200 years of existence, is linked to various important events. During his Horea Revolution in 1784, the fortress was one of the centers of action against imperial troops răsculaţilor. In time the Napoleonic wars in the fortress were many prisoners held in France. After the revolution of 1848, in cazematele fortress, were jailed and sentenced many of the revolutionaries who Eftimie Murgu. With the end-nineteenth century, when changing strategic concept, the fortress loses its importance to a simple barracks.

CITADEL OF ARAD | THE ARAD STAR FORM