The fortress of Căpâlna is mentioned at the end of the XIXth century by Téglás Gàbor, who considered it since the beginning as having a Dacian origin. A more detailed description of the ruins written by Halavátsy Gyula (indicating that the fortress’ ramparts were still visible at that time) dates back to the beginning of the XXth century. He also mentions a lot of ancient artefacts coming from the site and kept in a private collection in the city of Sebeş.
The first archaeological digs were performed in 1939, followed by two other campaigns in 1942 and 1954, led by M. Macrea and I. Berciu. At the time, the embankment that defended the main access, the dwelling-tower, parts of the structures found on the upper plateau were investigated and some test trenches also were excavated on the terraces outside the fortress.
During the following campaigns (1965-1967, 1982-1983), coordinated by H. Daicoviciu, both of the citadel’s earthworks were investigated, the gate tower as well as most of the stone walls of the main precinct.