EZTrip.com International Destination Guide and Hotel Listings

ORASTIE , first recorded in 1224 as the Saxon Stuhl of Broos, is the jumping-off point for the Dacian citadels and a pleasant small town in which to break a journey along the Mures valley. From the train station, 3km west of the town, trains are met by buses for the town centre (buses back depart from stops along the DN7 and are not so predictable - roughly half-hourly - so you'll need to allow a bit of leeway). Heading into town, buses turn right by several bank offices; get off here, cross the main road and follow Strada Armatei south to Piata Victoriei - dominated by a 1930s Orthodox cathedral - and the main street, Strada Balcescu. The town museum (Tues-Sun 9am-5pm), at Piata Aurel Vlaicu 1, whose exhibits include Dacian relics, is off Strada Balcescu to the right, as is the old citadel , with large German Evangelical and Hungarian Reformed churches crammed close together, and some interesting old stonework recently excavated.

There are two hotels in town, both on Strada Balcescu: the Dacia at no. 5 (tel 054/247 381; under $6), with cold water but a good cofetaria next door for breakfast, and the Mini-Hotel Jorja (tel 054/241 574, fax 247 470; $10-15) at no. 30, a good private guesthouse which offers a sauna, table tennis and safe parking, as well as non-stop hot water. There are also half a dozen cabins (under $6) attached to the Poienita popas restaurant, just over 1km west of town on the DN7.