# Agrișu Mare

- **Country:** Romania
- **Coordinates:** 46.316700, 21.800000
- **Location Text:** Agrișu Mare Fortress

Agrișu Mare, historically known as Almásegres, is a village within the Târnova commune located in Arad County, western Romania. Situated in the scenic contact zone between the Cigherului Hills and the Zărandului Mountains, the settlement lies approximately 44 kilometers from the city of Arad. The area is characterized by an agrarian economy and is particularly renowned as a fructiferous region, contributing significantly to local agriculture alongside developed small industries and tertiary services.

The most prominent landmark in the village is the Agrișu Mare Castle, which dates back to the 15th century. Perched atop Cioaca Hill, this medieval structure represents the primary touristic attraction for the entire commune. While specific details regarding its architectural style or current interior condition are not extensively documented in available records, its longevity since the 1400s underscores its historical resilience. The castle stands as a testament to the region's feudal past, having witnessed centuries of local history since the village was first mentioned in documentary records in 1214, making it one of the older settlements in the vicinity.

Today, the castle serves as a key cultural heritage site, drawing visitors interested in the historical landscape of Crișana. Although the village itself has seen population shifts over the centuries, with a diverse demographic mix including Romanians, Ukrainians, and Roma, the castle remains a focal point of local identity. Its strategic hilltop location likely served defensive purposes in earlier eras, but it now functions primarily as a monument to the area's rich history. Alongside other local attractions such as traditional embroidery in the nearby village of Chier, Agrișu Mare Castle anchors the tourism potential of the Târnova administrative area.

![Photo of Agrișu Mare](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4c/Tarnova_jud_Arad.png)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Târnova,_Arad (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)