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Bus station planned on internationally significant Roman site in Transylvania
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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.