Tourist Attractions in Gorj

The mountains of Gorj County are the ideal destination for relaxation, but also for testing ones limits in adventure tourism.

Daniel Onea, 26.11.2015, 12:34

Rafting, canoeing, spelunking, rappelling and ziplining, climbing, mountain biking, skiing are some of the activities included in the most popular tourist packages. At the same time, old monasteries have always been a point of attraction for visitors to the county. Gorj is a county with great potential for tourism, and it has all the necessary ingredients, according to Oana Palos, spokesperson for Gorj County Council:

“As a mountain county, we have plenty of possibilities for adventure tourism all year long, in both summer and winter. In the mountains of Gorj there is an area known across the country, the resort of Ranca. Winter sports lovers can ski here. We have six ski slopes, a ski lift and you can also do mountain climbing, paragliding, snowboarding, and bobsledding. However, the reigning sport is rafting. From this point of view, Gorj County is exceptional. Experts say rafting here is excellent. Transalpina is the highest road in Romania. And, though it is said that the road touches the clouds, it is in fact the old road used since Roman times by our shepherds, making the connection to the Sibiu area.

Adventure tourism, as well as monastic tourism and cultural tourism are popular in the area. Monastic tourism is diverse, due to the many monasteries in Gorj County, built in centuries past, according to Oana Palos:

“One example would be Tismana Monastery, the oldest hermitage in the south of the country. There is a great tourist circuit, very much appreciated by tourists across the country. The rest of the world is just starting to find out about us, because, in addition to the other tourist destinations, Gorj is starting to take important steps in promoting itself. We get more and more foreign tourists. The city of Targu Jiu stands out with its Heroes Avenue, where we find the works of the great Romanian sculptor Constantin Brancusi, famous across the world. We have a city break package for Targu Jiu. We also have a county package, covering most tourist objectives.

The cultural agenda in Gorj County is well put together, with various cultural manifestations for tourist promotion, as well as entertainment. Throughout the year, every month, tourists get to enjoy the beauty of the scenery and the local cuisine. They can spend wonderful moments at events taking place year long, with a long tradition.

“In the summer, events are mostly folkloric. I would mention the International Folklore Festival, held each August, with lots of foreign guests. On the streets of Targu Jiu you can see people in traditional costume from many counties. The months of August and September are full of events that bring people outdoors, we have a whole chain of events. Of these, I would mention especially the ‘Visit Brancusis Home program, which has grown by the year, enjoying great success. If you want to visit Gorj County in autumn to enjoy the multicolored scenery of Transalpina, you can also get to know the rural areas, where they preserve centuries-old traditions, and where people observe closely the local holidays. You can enjoy local delicacies on Harvest Day, which in fact goes on for several days, and throughout the events you can enjoy traditional events and the famous local wine. It goes well with the local cheese, made by the shepherds in the Transalpina area. We also have a festival dedicated to folk music and literature. We have a variety of cultural events, attracting people with various interests, from academics to tourists who want to spend a few relaxing days in the Gorj area.

This interesting area is famous for its wild forests. In Gorj there are lots of nature reserves, where you can hunt and fish. There is also a place that is less known and promoted, though much appreciated by the locals.

“We are talking about the only spa in the county where you can take a few moments for your peace of mind, and take care of your health. The place is called Sacelu, and has been documented as far back as Roman times. Here you find lots of vestiges of Roman baths. The place is not that well known, we have barely started to promote it, but it is famous among locals. It is well worth a visit, here you can recover mentally and physically. It is a special place precisely due to its Roman baths, which can give a run for its money to many spas in Romania.

There you have it, rafting, kayaking, canoeing, climbing, and skiing, all in one place. In Gorj you can find carefully put together tourist packages, with various levels of difficulty, for beginners and experienced adventurers alike. For foreign tourists, these come in addition to the local history, culture, and beautiful traditions.

(Translation by C. Cotoiu)