Roman archaeology, medieval churches and thermal waters offer different ways to explore Kalan. Aquae is a Roman-era archaeological site with a pool carved into the rock. The churches in Streisîngiorgiu and Strei reveal different building and painting phases; the ancient Măgura Călanului quarry adds the history of limestone to these themes. If you are planning a day at the baths, check the availability of the thermal baths in advance.

Aquae: Roman Site and Thermal Waters

The Roman pool at Aquae is carved into the rock, measures 7 × 14 metres and is approximately 3.60 to 4 metres deep. At 14 metres long, it is twice as long as it is wide; its depth is another distinctive feature of the site. Aquae is a Roman-era archaeological site in Călan. Both the site and the pool’s specifically described form are therefore relevant to understanding Roman history.

The Aquae thermal baths use thermomineral water from spring 4371 H. They include five pools, one of which is covered, and the water temperature is 27–29 °C. This makes an archaeological visit and a possible day at the baths two distinct sides of Aquae. If you are making plans to visit the thermal baths, check their availability before your trip.

Churches Between Romanesque Architecture and Wall Paintings

The Church of Saint George in Streisîngiorgiu brings together several medieval building phases. The stone building is a Romanesque church dating from the fourth decade of the 12th century; it was preceded by a wooden structure from the 11th to 12th century. The oldest surviving layer of wall paintings dates from 1313–1314 and is attributed to Teofil Zugravul. This makes it possible to distinguish the earlier structure, the Romanesque stone church and the later-dated layer of paintings. The church is also on the European Route of Romanesque Architectural Heritage. Its context thus connects the history of a specific building with the theme of the route.

The Orthodox Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God (“Adormirea Maicii Domnului”) in Strei offers a different perspective. The stone courtyard church was built in the 13th century. Fragments of its 14th-century exterior paintings are still faintly visible on the eastern apse and south façade. Compared with Streisîngiorgiu, the focus here shifts to a later building period and exterior paintings that survive only in a few places and are faintly discernible. Together, the churches illustrate different stages of medieval architecture and painting, rather than presenting a single, uniform picture of the period.

Măgura Călanului and the History of Limestone

The ancient Măgura Călanului quarry supplied limestone blocks for the Dacian fortresses in the Orăştie Mountains. It lies in the Strei Valley, a few kilometres from Călan, and is largely hidden by forest. Its history therefore adds another context to the study of individual churches: the journey of limestone from the quarry to the fortress buildings for which it was intended. If you want to explore historical themes beyond individual buildings, this connection offers an additional perspective on the region.

A road route in Hunedoara County starts in Călan and leads to Ludești. It is another named starting point for planning a trip, alongside the themes of Aquae, churches and the quarry.

Discover more destinations: Râu Bărbat, Teliucu Inferior, Gurasada, Ilia, Uricani, Brad, Râu De Mori, Diemrich.

For the broader travel overview: Hunedoara.