Roman Castrum Arutela is one of Romania's most atmospheric ancient sites — a reconstructed Roman fort perched on the left bank of the Olt River, nestled between forested mountain slopes and the historic Cozia Monastery. History feels genuinely alive here, especially when you stand beneath the reconstructed Porta Praetoria, the first gateway of its kind ever rebuilt in Romania.

The site sits at a spot known as 'Poiana Bivolari', between the villages of Păușa and Căciulata, near the town of Călimănești. The setting is dramatic: the Olt carves through a narrow gorge, steep wooded hillsides press in from both sides, and the proximity of the Turnu hydroelectric complex adds an unexpected industrial contrast. In autumn the surrounding beech forests glow with warm colours, while summer brings cool shade from the mountains. It is a place that rewards a slow, unhurried visit.

• Călimănești — nearest town, a few kilometres away; the castrum is accessible by car along the road following the Olt River, or on foot along the riverbank; difficulty: easy

• The castrum was reconstructed in 1982–1983 to designs by architect Aurel Teodorescu
• First reconstruction of a porta praetoria with flanking towers in Romania
• Artefacts found during excavations (weapons, coins, vessels, inscriptions) are displayed at the Military Museum in Bucharest
• The site is under the custody of the Vâlcea County Culture Committee and the History Museum in Râmnicu Vâlcea

A short distance to the north, on 'Vârful lui Teofil', the ruins of a Roman watchtower with an unusual three-quarter-circle plan still stand — from here Roman soldiers once kept watch over the entire Olt valley, guarding one of the key Carpathian passes since at least 138 AD.