Șiria combines cultural history with scenic landscapes and sporting activities. Cetatea Șiriei and the Feredeu Monastery area represent distinct historical sites; the sculpture ensemble is devoted to figures from Șiria and Romanian culture. If you plan your stay around a cultural event or a race, you should also take the relevant year into account.
Fortress and monastery in a mountainous landscape
Cetatea Șiriei dates back to the 13th century. It rises on the 496 m-high Dealul Cetății, above the Drumul Vinului, and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Here, medieval history meets a tangible connection to the landscape: the hill, the views and the location above the wine route are all part of this place’s character.
The Feredeu monastery complex lies within the municipality of Șiria and includes a monastery in the valley and a hermitage on the western slope of the Zărand Mountains. The hermitage dates back to the 18th century. It lies below the summit of Izvorul Rece, at an altitude of 427 m. You can reach it by a modernized road that climbs the steep slope of the Zărand Mountains, or by a yellow-marked hiking trail. The two access routes mentioned therefore differ in kind: a road and a marked trail.
Museum and sculpture ensemble
The Muzeul Memorial „Ioan Slavici și Emil Monția“ is closed for renovation; check its visiting status before you arrive. The permanent exhibition about Ioan Slavici occupies three rooms and includes family photographs, diplomas, awards, orders, manuscripts, books and newspapers. The collection brings together personal memorabilia and written records, giving the exhibition its biographical focus.
The Șiria sculpture ensemble depicts several figures from the town, as well as important figures in Romanian culture. At its centre is the statue of Baroness Bohus Szogyeny Antonia, created in 1910. The ensemble thus reflects both local connections and figures from a broader cultural context.
Cultural events and running routes
The known event dates relate to different years. On 24 June 2024, the Festivalul Iei was held at Cetatea Șiriei. In 2025, the Festivalul Emil Monția was included in the cultural programme of Șiria municipality for the fifth time. Also in 2025, Zilele Șiriei took place for the 18th time, and the Christmas market on Sfânta-Maria Square was held for the fourth time.
The Șiria Winter Trail is a sporting competition for amateurs and professionals that uses hiking trails in the Zărand Mountains in Șoimoș and Șiria. The race format includes distances of 6 km, 15 km and 24 km. The route for the 15 km distance is described in more detail: it follows marked hiking trails from Șiria towards Șaua Cazan, continues to Feredeu Monastery and Monumentul Turistului, and then returns to Șiria. This route description provides a specific sequence of waypoints, while the three distances distinguish the scope of the competitions.
Regional context and getting there
Șiria is part of the wine-growing region along the Arad Wine Route, which stretches from Lipova to Ineu and includes Păuliș, Ghioroc, Covăsânț, Șiria and Pâncota. The Păuliș–Ghioroc–Covăsânț–Șiria route is also one of Arad County’s one-day tourism routes. The wine region therefore describes a broader geographical area, while the day route gives a specific sequence of places.
Șiria can be reached via county road DJ709 or by daily public transport from Arad. If you travel by public transport, check the timetable before setting out and plan around suitable departure times.
For an overview of the wider trip: Siria.
