Gorj Balesti is a district in the southern part of the Romanian county of Gorj. It is bordered by the Fagaras Mountains to the north, the Jiu Valley to the west, the Olt River to the south, and Teleorman County to the east. The district also includes two microregions: the Petrosani-Tismana Sub-carpathian area in the northern part and the Pietrosul-Turnu area in the south.
The area is home to a rich culture, with many traditions and festivals that preserve the customs of local people. The district is rich in history, boasting monuments and museum collections from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque, and contemporary eras. There are also plenty of archaeological sites of interest, such as the Celic Dere Fortress.
Gorj Balesti’s natural landscape is also remarkable, ranging from the mountainous area in the north to small rivers and hidden hillocks offering picturesque views. This area is well known for its forested areas, many of which host small streams and flora commonly found in the region.
The district is also known for its cultural events and entertainment, such as the Summer Fair held in downtown Balesti, the International Music Festival held each May, and the Traditional Music Festival in Petrosani. There are also many religious celebrations, such as the National Day of Prayer and the National Cavalcade.
In addition, Gorj Balesti offers many opportunities for travelers, from camping and biking to skiing and fishing. It is a great base for exploring the wonders of Fagaras Mountains and the Jiu Valley.
The Gorj Balesti district encompasses the territorial units of Balesti, Budeasa and Calinesti, Gorj County, Romania.
To visit the district, you will first need to travel to Targu Jiu, the county seat of Gorj. From there you can take a bus or rent a car to reach the district. In Balesti, the administrative center of the district, you will find a few hotels, restaurants and attractions. You can also explore the surrounding villages, such as Budeasa, Calinesti, Cozieni and Sesturi which offer beautiful landscapes and delicious traditional food.
If you are looking for outdoor activities, you can go hiking, cycling, fishing and boating in the nearby rivers and lakes, or you can visit some of the cultural attractions like the Budeasa dam, the Olt valley and the Cerna valley.
There are several archaeological sites in the area such as the fortress of Costesti, where you can find the remains of an old fort dating back to the Roman period. You can also explore the caves of Cioclovina and the ruins of the old Teiului fortress.
No matter which activity you choose, you can be sure that your visit to the Gorj Balesti district will be an unforgettable experience!
Gorj Balesti is a district in the Gorj county in Romania. It is one of the eight districts that comprise the county and is situated on the northeastern side of the county. The main cities in the district include Balesti, Targu Jiu, and Turceni. Other localities within the district include Bilciuresti, Cazanesti, Cozia, Dragotesti, Horezu, Jupaneasa, Livezeni, Schela, Sipote, Talpas and Vanatori. The district has an area of 869.23 square kilometers and the population was estimated in 2019 to be over 83,000. Primary economic activities in the district include agriculture, timber, and industrial and commercial activities.
Gorj Balesti is located is a district in the southwestern part of Gorj County in southwestern Romania. The district has six towns and twenty two communes, located near the Olt River, at the foothills of the Southern Carpathians, in the historical region of Oltenia. The district has an area of 825 km² and a population of 97,888. The main economic activities in the district are agriculture, industry, and services.
If you are traveling from within Romania, you can go to Gorj Balesti by train, road, or air. Train travel is the most popular and will get you there in a few hours. You can also rent a car or take a bus for road travel. If you’d like to get to Gorj Balesti by air, the closest airport is the Craiova International Airport which is located about 80 kilometers away.
1. The Church of the Holy Virgin Mary – This is an Eastern Orthodox Church located in the village of Coteana in the Gorj Balesti district. Built in the 18th century, this church features a unique architecture, built in the traditional Moldovan style. The church is best known for its intricate wood carvings, original frescoes, and the tall bell tower that overlooks the village.
2. Batos Monastery – Located in the Gorj Balesti district, the Batos Monastery is a historical religious complex dating back to the 15th century. The monastery is home to a beautiful wooden church, a bell tower, and other buildings built in the traditional style of 18th century Moldova.
3. The Three Waterfalls of Tunari – Located in Gorj Balesti district, the Three Waterfalls of Tunari offer a stunning view of the local landscape, Once you get here, you can enjoy the beauty of the natural environment and the special microclimatic conditions of the area.
4. The Jupanesti Fortress – This medieval fortress located in the Gorj Balesti district was built in the 14th century and served as a defense against Turkish invasions. The fortress features an impressive set of walls, towers and a secret passage, making it a great place to explore.
5. Gura Muscelului Village – This typical Romanian village, located in the Gorj Balesti district, is a great place to experience traditional Moldavian lifestyle. Here you will find a cozy atmosphere, interesting people, and a fascinating history.
1. Gorj County Museum: This museum offers a unique collection of artifacts that highlight the culture of the Gorj region. The museum features ancient archaeological artifacts, historical documents, traditional costumes, and artifacts from centuries ago. Its interactive multimedia galleries also provide an interesting journey through the area’s history.
2. The Church of the Assumption in Slivut: Located in the village of Slivut, this church was built in the 18th century and has remained intact to this day. It is one of the oldest monuments in the region and is known for its ornate wall frescoes, which depict religious stories.
3. Colti Monastery: This Orthodox monastery is located in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, in the commune of Colti. The monastery is famous for its beautiful frescoes and ornate ceilings, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area.
4. Pestisorului Cave: Located on the Valley of the Călugăreni, this cave is believed to have been discovered by shepherds in the 19th century. The cave is home to a stunning display of stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and other stunning formations.
5. Stogu-Bandos Monastery: This small monastery was built in the 18th century and is located in the commune of Vârtop. It is known for its unique architecture and beautiful wall frescoes, which depict various scenes from the Bible.
6. Caluga-Vârtop Nature Park: Located in the communes of Caluga and Vârtop, this park spans an area of 656 hectares and is home to various rare and protected animal species. It is considered one of the most important protected areas in Romania.
Gorj Balesti district is situated in the southern part of the historic region of Oltenia in Romania. This region offers a wide range of tourist activities.
Hiking and trekking: Gorj Balesti is situated in a mountainous area and thus offers many opportunities for trekking and hiking. The scenery is breathtaking and you can explore many cultural and historical spots while you hike. The highest peaks in the area are the Negovanu, Plesa and Oltetu peaks.
Mountain biking: Mountain biking is one of the most popular activities in the district. There are a number of trails to explore, which offer stunning views and a unique landscape.
Caving: Gorj Balesti district is known as a caving paradise. There are numerous caves to explore, such as the Grias Cave, the Tupilat Cave, and the Negovanu Cave, where you will find amazing underground features.
Skiing: Skiing and snowboarding is another popular activity in Gorj Balesti district. You can try your luck at nearby ski resorts, such as the Sinaia Ski Resort, the Parang Ski Resort, and the Ciobanu Ski Resort.
Fishing: Anglers have plenty of opportunities to explore while they fish in the district. You can cast a line in lakes, rivers, and streams, and catch carp, pike, and trout.
Golf: The district is home to some of the most spectacular golf courses in the country. Courses like Golf Club Gilort and Golf Club Gorj are popular spots for leisurely rounds of golf.
These are some of the most popular tourist activities in Gorj Balesti district. There are plenty of other activities to explore, such as horseback riding, kayaking, and paragliding. With its breathtaking scenery and rich cultural heritage, Gorj Balesti district is a must-visit destination for all kinds of travelers.