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THE 7TH GATE OF THE ALBA CAROLINA CITADEL
TRANSYLVANIA’S BASTION
October 24, 2017
THE 6TH GATE OF THE ALBA CAROLINA CITADEL
October 24, 2017THE 7TH GATE OF THE ALBA CAROLINA CITADEL
Normally, inside the citadel, from the 1st to the 6th, one counts only the gates on the central axis (Michael the Brave street), the ones who ensured, three on each side, the access/exit in and out of the 18th century bastion fortification. Therefore, the name of “the 7th Gate” is recent and it was given after the restoration and the inclusion into the touristic circuit of this gate, a project finalized in 2011.
Located on the north side of the citadel, the idea of the utility of this gate was abandoned even before the citadel was finished, therefore the entrance was blocked by a brick wall, the gate not being used for almost three centuries. They probably took in consideration the fact that the existence of the gate would have probably made the defence of the main part of the citadel more difficult in case of an attack from the northern side. However, the gate does not appear on the 18th century plans and blueprints of the citadel.
Compared to the other gates, it is similar to the 5th gate, having the shape of a brick vaulted tunnel, without any decorative element. It is located close to the „Saint Elisabeth” Ravelin.
Scientific consultant: Tudor Roșu, PhD historian
Translation made by: Ciprian Dobra, PR expert
The 7th gate is located on the northern side of the Alba Carolina Citadel, on the third line of the fortified defence, technically named „counterguard”. It was discovered during the ample reconstruction works for the Citadel, after being out of use for almost 300 years.
The idea of the utility of this gate was abandoned since before the fortification was finished, so the opening was covered by a brick wall. It was probably considered that the existence of the gate would rather harden the defence of the main body of the citadel instead of easing it in case of an attack from the northern side.
Before 1717, the gate was the exit way of the Austrian troops outside the walls, on the northern side, in exceptionally situations, like an unexpected attack of the enemy. It is shaped as a vaulted brick tunnel, without any decorative element. Compared to the other gates of the Citadel, it looks more like the 5th, placed on the western side.
The gate shortens by half the distance walked by the tourists who choose to enter from the northern side of the fortification. The present form of the gate is the result of a restoration project completed in 2011. It was given back to the tourist circuit in the same year.
