The Gorj Bumbesti-Piticu district has a long and rich history and culture that dates back centuries. The district itself is an administrative district of Romania located in Gorj County in the southern part of the country. The district was originally formed in 1968, after a reform of the Romanian administrative region, and comprises the communes of Bumbest a Piticu, Carpinis, Ohaba, Pojogeni, Prundeni and Ticleni. All of these communes are situated within a region of strong heritage and beauty.
The area is known for its beauty and natural attractions, and is considered to be one of the most picturesque locations in Romania. It offers unique landscapes such as steep-sided valleys, gorges, and rolling hills. It is also home to some of Romania’s most beautiful villages, such as Carpinis, Ticleni, Trundeni and Bumbesti-Piticu.
The district’s culture has been heavily influenced by its connections to the Moldavian and Wallachian traditions, and is best represented by the churches and monasteries dotted throughout the region. Perhaps the most famous of these is the Bulevardul Monastery, located in Carpinis, which was founded in the 6th century. It is also worth noting that several of the region’s villages are extremely well-known for their distinctive vernacular architecture.
As well as its abundance of natural attractions, the region is also home to many cultural sites, including the National Museum of GorJ, the Bulevardul Monastery Museum and the Roman Necropolis in Carpinis. All of these tourist attractions, combined with the district’s rich cuisine, beautiful landscapes and laid-back atmosphere make it a favourite destination for those wishing to experience authentic Romanian culture.
get there
If you’re starting from Bucharest, the best way to get to Gorj Bumbesti-Piticu is by car. The trip will take approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes. You’ll need to take the A1 motorway for approximately 250 km. You’ll pass through the cities of Pitesti, Craiova, and Turnu Severin before arriving in Gorj Bumbesti-Piticu.
Gorj Bumbesti-Piticu is a district in the historical region of Oltenia in Romania. It is located in the western part of the county of Gorj, comprising the villages of Bumbesti-Piticu, Danesti and Slivilesti. The population of the district was 12,987 according to the 2011 census. The main economic activities are agriculture, animal husbandry, commerce and services.
Gorj Bumbesti-Piticu is a district (județ) in the South-West of Romania located between the Mureș and Jiu Rivers and in the western part of the historical region of Oltenia. The capital city and largest urban area of the district is Bumbesti-Piticu. Other major cities and towns in the district include Petroșani, Novaci and Turceni. The economy of the district is mainly based on mining, manufacturing, energy production and tourism. The district is known for its scenic landscape and thermal springs.
The best way to get to Gorj Bumbesti-Piticu District is by car. The drive takes approximately four hours from Bucharest. You can also take a direct train from Bucharest North Train Station which will take roughly four and a half hours, or travel by bus, which takes just over five hours.
1. Roman castrum of Bumbesti
This ancient Roman castrum is located near the town of Bumbesti-Piticu in Gorj County, Romania. The castrum is believed to have been built sometime around the fourth or fifth century during the Late Roman period, and is thought to have served as a military base at the time. The ruins of the castrum are still visible today, and provide a fascinating insight into the past.
2. The Annunciation Church
The Annunciation Church is located in the town of Bumbesti-Piticu and was built in the 19th century. The church is a beautiful example of Romanian architectural style, with unique features such as an ornately decorated bell tower and a lovely rose window. Inside, visitors can admire the intricate frescoes, which depict scenes from the Bible and the life of Jesus.
3. Voivodeni Monastery
Located in the village of Voivodeni in Gorj County, the Voivodeni Monastery is a stunning Romanian Orthodox monastery built in the 16th century. The monastery complex consists of a church, several residential buildings and a large cemetery. The church is decorated in a traditional Orthodox style and features several intricately carved wooden statues.
4. Varvoru de Jos Archbishopric
The Varvoru de Jos Archbishopric is located in the village of Varvoru de Jos near Bumbesti-Piticu. It was built in the 15th century and is a beautiful example of Romanian medieval architecture. The two-story edifice was built in a cross shape, and the interior walls are covered in old frescoes depicting various Biblical scenes.
5. Bolbosi Monastery
The Bolbosi Monastery is located in the village of Bolbosi, near Bumbesti-Piticu. The monastery was founded in the 17th century and is renowned for its beautiful frescoes. The church is filled with stunning artworks depicting saints and angels, as well as scenes from the Bible. The monastery also features a museum, which contains a variety of religious artifacts and relics.
1. Bumbesti-Pitic Monastery – A major place of worship for the Romanian Orthodox Church, Bumbesti-Pitic Monastery is a popular religious destination. Founded in 1598, the monastery features beautiful frescoes, a church and a bell tower.
2. The Bumbesti-Pitic Castle – Constructed in the 18th century, this beautiful castle and the ruins of the former fortress offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The well-preserved castle features a double courtyard, turrets and decorative motifs.
3. Nature Reserve –Namaiesti Seteaza – Home to a variety of wildlife and bird species, the Nature Reserve at Namaiesti Seteaza covers over 730 hectares of land. Visitors can explore the forests and mountain trails, spot wildlife and fish in the lakes.
4. Veselovca Fortress – Dating back to the 16th century, this fortress offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It was damaged during the wars in 1877 and 1916, but its walls still stand to this day.
5. Teleki-Bolyai Library – Located in the center of town, this public library was founded in 1789 and contains a large number of important books and documents.
6. Lake Cocioc – Located in the north-eastern side of the district, Lake Cocioc is the largest lake in the area. Visitors can enjoy peaceful hikes around the lake and observe various species of birds and other wildlife.
Gorj Bumbesti-Piticu is a great destination for travellers of all ages. There’s plenty of outdoor activities to do here, along with some interesting cultural attractions.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the district offers several interesting trekking opportunities along scenic paths and roads, as well as great natural hiking trails throughout the area. The National Park Cheile Carasului is nearby and is a great spot for hikers and nature lovers. Visitors can also go kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, and mountain biking in the area.
Cultural attractions in the Gorj Bumbesti-Piticu area include several scenic and historical churches and monasteries, as well as the Museum of Popular and Traditional Arts. The Spirit Museum of Art, located in the Dacii Hills, features various multimedia displays of local art and is well worth a visit.
The area also has several wineries and craft breweries that offer tasting tours and local products. For those seeking a more wild experience, Gorj Bumbesti-Piticu has a great nightlife with local pubs, bars and restaurants that offer Romanian and international dishes.
For those looking to relax, beautiful spa resorts and health retreats can be found throughout the district. There is also a rural therapeutic circuit which combines traditional methods of massage and herbal therapy with modern techniques. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a range of local sports and recreational activities, such as fishing, football, basketball, and more.