Sântămăria-Orlea between the castle, fossils and historical traces

The Reformed Church of Sântămăria-Orlea was originally an Orthodox stone church. It was built at the end of the 13th century. The builders were knezes of the Cândea family. The building was constructed in the Romanesque style. Thus, the building combines several clearly defined historical features: its original Orthodox use, its medieval origins, the family involved and its Romanesque architectural language.

Culture

Kendeffy Castle is located in Sântămăria-Orlea. The Kendeffy family built the castle in 1782. It is located near the town centre. Above it runs the road connecting Râu de Mori and Sântămăria-Orlea. The year of construction and the builder are therefore just as much part of the castle’s description as its location near the town centre and above this road connection. The location and the connection to Râu de Mori are explicitly part of its geographical classification.

On the steep, rocky ridge of Orlea Hill stands the ruin of a watchtower known as "Turnul lui Vece". The historic watchtower controlled access through the Strei Valley. Its orientation extended towards Hațeg and Banat. The location on the ridge, the rocky terrain and the historical control function belong together here. The name Turnul lui Vece refers to the ruin, while the Strei Valley, Hațeg and Banat identify the traditional directions and areas associated with its function.

Nature

The Sânpetru fossil site covers 5.0 ha. Its finds include dinosaur fossils. It also contains fossils of crocodiles and turtles. The site is a protected natural area in IUCN Category IV. At the same time, it is a palaeontological nature reserve. The area, fossil finds and protection status together provide a precisely defined picture of the site, without extending its extent or significance beyond the information stated.

The first dinosaur fossils that put Țara Hațegului on the world map of palaeontology came from the fossil site. In Sânpetru, in the municipality of Sântămăria-Orlea, you will also find Casa Dinozaurilor Pitici. The house shows visitors what happens at a palaeontological excavation site. It presents a reconstruction of Elopteryx nopcsai. The site therefore represents specific fossil finds, while Casa Dinozaurilor Pitici explains the process at a palaeontological excavation site and uses the reconstruction to make a named species visible.

Things to do

Valea Dinozaurilor is a themed trail. It leads from Sântămăria-Orlea via Sânpetru to Ohaba-Sibișel. You can complete the route on foot. The route is also suitable for cycling. Valea Dinozaurilor can also be travelled by car. The trail therefore identifies not only its route through three places, but also the three explicitly named means of transport: on foot, by bicycle and by car.

Other places

Dacia is an ancient site in the wider regional surroundings of Sântămăria-Orlea. Piatra Meteștilor is a peak in the wider regional surroundings of Sântămăria-Orlea. Știrbina is also located there as a peak. Ascuțit likewise belongs to the peaks in the wider regional surroundings of Sântămăria-Orlea. Măgura Zimbrului is another peak in these wider regional surroundings. The ancient site of Dacia is thus joined by four named peaks: Piatra Meteștilor, Știrbina, Ascuțit and Măgura Zimbrului. All five places are located in the wider regional surroundings of Sântămăria-Orlea.

For the overarching travel overview: Santamaria - Orlea.