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Bus station planned on internationally significant Roman site in Transylvania
A new bus terminal could be built on a site of international Roman-era importance in Alba Iulia (Gyulafehérvár), after the city’s local council approved the project on Friday.
They approved building a bus station on a famous Roman site
The investment, valued at over EUR 10 million, is planned for the Marospartos district, where archaeologists uncovered a unique and exceptionally well-preserved Roman archaeological site last autumn. As Maszol.ro reported, he rescue excavation revealed Roman roads, buildings and public spaces in remarkable condition, along with rare floor paving and a Roman chariot component made of bronze and lead.
Archaeologists urge preservation and UNESCO nomination
Experts have stressed that the extensive Roman road network, preserved across a large surface area, should be conserved in situ and presented to visitors. They have also suggested nominating the site for inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Earlier, Mayor Gabriel Pleșa said that some of the finds could be displayed on site, while insisting that the bus station project would not be abandoned. On Friday, he formally submitted the project to the city council, explaining that it would be financed through non-refundable European Union funds.
He noted that the archaeological rescue excavation is still ongoing and that the final expert report has yet to be completed. However, due to an approaching deadline, the municipality cannot forgo the funding opportunity and must submit the application.
Alternative location possible if construction is blocked
According to Romania’s Agerpres news agency, the mayor added that if specialists conclude the bus terminal cannot be built at the original location, the city does have a “Plan B”, though he did not provide further details.
The project would include a terminal and charging infrastructure for 40 electric buses, as well as a car park, an administrative building, a vehicle wash and maintenance workshops.
Remains of Dacia’s wealthiest Roman city uncovered
Details of the extraordinary discovery along the banks of the Mureș River were presented at the end of October by archaeologists from the Union (Unirii) Museum in Alba Iulia. Around 5,000 square metres have been excavated so far, revealing finds dating to the first half of the 3rd century AD, from the Roman province of Dacia.
According to archaeologist Radu Ota, the remains belong to Colonia Aurelia Apulensis, a city named after Emperor Marcus Aurelius and considered the wealthiest settlement in Roman Dacia.
Since excavations began in August 2025, researchers have uncovered 14 roads and squares, buildings from various periods of the Roman Empire, and a 28-square-metre ceramic-tiled floor preserved in excellent condition. Particularly rare are two fully intact inscriptions, including one praising the gods.
A unique bronze-and-lead chariot component decorated with the image of Jupiter was also found — the first such artefact ever discovered in the territory of ancient Dacia. Archaeologists plan to continue excavations in the spring and believe further significant finds are likely.
A city with a troubled archaeological past
Alba Iulia has long been known for its valuable Roman-era discoveries, including gold jewellery. The city was built on the site of Apulum, one of the most important urban centres in ancient Dacia.
In 2023, however, the a well-preserved Roman sarcophagus was destroyed by heavy machinery during the expansion of a local cemetery, raising concerns about the protection of its archaeological heritage.