The project for the restoration and enhancement of the Roman amphitheatre at the archaeological site of Colonia Ulpia Traiana Augusta Dacica Sarmizegetusa has received the National Restoration Triennial Award 2025, 10th edition, in the category 'Fortresses and Archaeological Sites', Hunedoara County Council, the beneficiary of the works, announced on Tuesday.

'The award recognises the entire restoration and valorisation process of the exemplary archaeological heritage of Ulpia Traiana, based on research and appropriate scientific methods, resulting in the return to use of a major archaeological structure, without the new intervention altering the restored heritage asset,' the jury's motivation states, as quoted on the Hunedoara County Council's Facebook page.

The Roman amphitheatre in the capital of Roman Dacia, Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa, was reopened to the public on 8 August 2025, following a conservation, restoration and enhancement process that lasted several years.

The project was financed through European funds secured by Hunedoara County Council, with a total value of 22.08 million lei, and a 2% co-financing contribution from the beneficiary.

The main objectives of the project were the conservation and restoration of the Roman amphitheatre, as well as increasing the attractiveness of the historic monument.

As part of the site's enhancement through the organisation of themed performances, specialists also provided for the installation of seating stands for the public. These were positioned so as not to affect the amphitheatre, without coming into contact with its walls, and with the possibility of being dismantled when necessary.

Through this project, the authorities estimate that the number of tourists will exceed 91,000 in the first year after the reopening of the amphitheatre, while over the next ten years the number is expected to surpass 111,000 visitors. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Alina Novaceanu; EN - writing by: Simona Iacob)