Built in the 13th century, in a strategic area, at the narrowing of the Mures Valley and the river entrance in the gorge between the Poiana Rusca Mountains and the Western Carpathian Mountains, the Deva Fortress was one of the most powerful fortresses of Transylvania. It's first documentary story is in 1269, in an act issued by Stefan, the king of Hungary, where castrum Deva is mentioned.