Two parks, linked by the Avenue of Heroes, give the Brâncuși Monumental Ensemble in Târgu Jiu its spatial layout. The ensemble was created in 1937 and 1938 in memory of those who lost their lives defending the city in the First World War. The Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul also lies along the axis. Here, abstract sculpture, landscape architecture, engineering and urban planning come together. Those interested in art in public spaces will encounter a work in Târgu Jiu whose design and commemoration are inseparable.
Art, a Village Museum and Monastic History
The Museum of Folk Architecture in Curtișoara offers a different way to explore. Visitors can discover more than 30 old wooden houses and farmsteads, assembled into an open-air village museum. The museum also includes the Tătărescu Ensemble, the Church of Saint John the Baptist, dating from 1821, and historic water-powered installations. The houses and farmsteads give an impression of the diversity of traditional folk architecture represented in the collection; the church and installations offer further historical perspectives.
Some places also connect architectural history with a broader historical context. The “Constantin Brâncuși” House Museum in Hobița is a folk architecture monument dating from the second half of the 19th century. Tismana Monastery was founded by Saint Nicodemus with the support of Voivode Radu I, whose reign is given as 1377 to 1383. Lainici Monastery has a collection of religious objects and old books.
At Polovragi Monastery, monastic history is complemented by a special connection to the cave landscape: it lies near Cheile Oltețului and Peștera Polovragi, and managed the cave for 300 years. Speleologists have mapped about ten kilometres of passages in Peștera Polovragi; 800 metres of galleries are open to visitors. This distinction makes clear both the scale of the explored cave system and the section actually accessible to visitors.
Karst and Protected Mountain Landscapes
Cheile Sohodolului is a karst landscape about twelve kilometres long in the Vâlcan Mountains, between Runcu and Poiana Contului. The area can be reached via National Road 67D and crossed by car, bicycle or on foot. Those who look beyond simply crossing the landscape will also find a floristic reserve in the Sohodol Valley, home to plant species that are rare in Romania’s flora.
Cheile Oltețului is also located in the northeast of Gorj County, within the administrative territory of Polovragi commune, and forms part of a nationally protected natural area. Defileul Jiului National Park presents a different mountain landscape. Its protected features include rocks, limestone cliffs, peaks, gorges, waterfalls, alpine meadows and forests. The scenery thus shifts between striking rock formations, open spaces and wooded areas.
Trails and Activities in Defileul Jiului
In the national park, hiking trails pass through parts of 22 habitats of national and European interest. Themed routes offer views of forests, clearings, sunny pastures, and steeper and gentler mountain ridges. For another perspective on the park, the visitor centre in Bumbești Jiu provides information about tourism, the biodiversity of the protected areas under its management and the region’s history.
Rafting is possible on designated stretches of the Jiu River in the national park; access may be subject to park rules and restrictions. Cycling is currently possible on the Plaiului Bumbești access road, which has been recognised by the local community. The two activities are therefore limited to specific river stretches and a named road, respectively. If you plan to take part in either, factor these conditions into your preparations.
Transalpina and Rânca
The Transalpina (DN 67C) is Romania’s highest road. It connects Novaci in Gorj with Sebeș in Alba County and crosses the Parâng Mountains. Seasonal restrictions may apply to the road; check whether it is open before setting out.
From Novaci, the mountain resort of Rânca can be reached via the Transalpina. Rânca lies at an altitude of 1,600 metres and has five ski runs, one of which is equipped with lighting for night skiing. As the ski facilities may change, it is advisable to check their current status if you plan to include them in your trip.
Discover more destinations: Săcelu, Rânca, Târgu Jiu, Novaci, Polovragi, Ţânţăreni, Turcineşti, Muşeteşti, Aninoasa, Tismana, Dobriţa, Țicleni, Runcu, Baia De Fier, Arcani, Aninişu din Deal, Turburea.
For the main travel overview: Romania.
