The Ruins Of Soimos Medieval Fortress, Arad County, Romania. Stock Image

Soimos Fortress is located on the right bank of the Mures River, on a hill, opposite Lipova city. It was built after the first invasions of the Tartars in the area and is documented since 1278.The access path leads over the wide and deep defense ditch, on the once suspended bridge placed on some huge pillars, towards the gate of the external fortifications, reinforced with a defense tower. The courtyard of the inner fortress has considerable dimensions and is dominated by the gate tower and the old tower, several storeys high. To the north is the Palace of Queen Elizabeth, richly adorned with Renaissance sculptures. Remarkable is the balcony preserved intact to this day and which bears all the name of the former sovereign. From the fortress, a wonderful view opens both to the Mures gorge and to the Arad plain.