Municipality of Alba Iulia is located in the center of the Transylvanian Plateau, situated between the hills of the Trascău Mountains and the plains of the Mureș River. With an area of approximately 10,365 hectares, its territory is predominantly used for agriculture, pastures, orchards, and vineyards. The surroundings are characterized by diverse landscapes, including forested hills and gorges formed by the rivers Mureș, Sebeș, and Secaș.
Coat of Arms
The coat of arms of Alba Iulia is composed of a rounded shield, divided into three quarters. The first quarter depicts the cross-bearing bird of Wallachia, surrounded by the sun and moon. The second quarter represents the head of the Moldavian buffalo, surrounded by a luminous ray and a new crescent. In the upper part of the shield are depicted two lions holding a sword, and above them is the crown of Romania, symbolizing independence and national unity. The cross-bearing eagle and the mural crown with seven crenelated towers indicate the status of the capital of the United Principalities and the status of a municipality as a county seat.
History
Alba Iulia has a rich history, with numerous prehistoric and medieval settlements. Before being documented, there were prehistoric settlements dating back to the 5th millennium BC. In the medieval era, Alba Iulia was an important center of the Transylvanian voivodeship, contributing to the administrative and religious structure of the region. Later, during the Árpád dynasty, the city became one of the most important urban centers in the Kingdom of Hungary. In 1542, Alba Iulia became the capital of the Principality of Transylvania and played a significant role in the history of the region until the 17th century, witnessing dramatic events such as the revolt of the Saxons in 1277 and the trial of 1309.