The Legend of the Hidden Treasure of Tilisca

The Tilișca Region: A Historical Overview

Known as the mint of Dacia because in the area of Dealul Cățânaș the Dacians' silver was transformed into coins, the Tilișca region gained fame due to legends of hidden treasures. But perhaps the most famous is that of Decebal's treasure, which is believed to have been hidden right in these lands.

Arrival in Tilișca

As soon as you arrive in Tilișca, the first thing that will catch your eye is the beauty of the area and the well-kept houses. Nothing betrays the fact that over 2000 years ago, this was one of the majestic Dacian fortresses.

The Fortress at Dealul Cățânaș

On Dealul Cățânaș, where the Dacians' silver would arrive, only a piece of the defensive wall of the old fortification built on the hill remains standing today. The fortress at Tilișca is unique:

• During its construction, the Dacians made massive bricks from clay and straw.
• They built walls four meters high and 2.5 meters thick.
• In the end, seeing that the fortress was one of the most solid, the Dacians decided to turn it into a mint.

Initially, coins with Greek iconography were minted here, and later even Roman denarii.

Archaeological Discoveries

Recent archaeological excavations in the area confirm these hypotheses, with several Roman coins, minting stamps, and other Dacian tools used in the minting process at Tilișca being discovered here.

• The metal brought to this location came from Roșia Montană.
• It was melted into thick bars and then transformed into coins in the cellar beneath the middle tower.
• Bags full of money were sent to the royal domain at Sarmisegetuza.

The Legend of Decebal's Treasure

Thus, with the Roman invasion of Dacia, the fortress at Tilișca was undoubtedly an important point in the battles. Legend has it that during the siege, a few Dacians dug a massive hideout in the heart of the mountain where they concealed their treasure.

It is said that the Romans searched for months for the hidden treasure, but no one ever found it. The legend lives on today, and if you visit Tilișca, you can't help but think, even for a moment, about the Dacians' hidden treasure.