This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Deva.
Deva was first mentioned in the fourteenth century, after a castle was built here in the thirteenth century. A settlement in the region, however, is dated back to Roman times and the Neolithic period. It was a place of major wars because of the Ottoman invasion and the city was destroyed several times. The population was also colorful -- Romanians, Hungarians (a local minority exists even nowadays), Germans, Bulgarians, Jews, and Gypsies.
There are many things to see in Deva and the city is unquestionably worth a visit. Most popular is the Deva Fortress, which used to be one of the strongest fortresses in Transylvania, built in the thirteenth century and a residence of Johann Hunyadi. After the Crusades, the castle was occupied by the troops of Emperor Charles VI and today, it is being renovated.
Other place of interest is the Magna Curia Palace, built in Renaissance style in the sixteenth century, but later rebuilt in Baroque style. It also hosts the County Museum of History and Natural Science. You should also visit the Franciscan Monastery and the Catholic Church (both Baroque), and the tower of the Orthodox church in the Orthodox cemetery from the late seventeenth century.
Although it is not a big city, Deva attracts many tourists due to its old architecture and the Deva Fortress. Still, there are not so many Deva hostels, but travelers should not have problems to find a place to stay in the city. Deva hostels offer very good amenities and service which make the stay in the city pleasant. Another plus is the location -- Deva hostels are located in the very center of the city and are only meters from the main sights. Even the Deva Fortress, which is in the outskirts of the city, is not so far and walking to the fortress is great, especially in the summer.
Written by local enthusiast for Deva hostels
George Traveller