Gorj Novaci is a municipality located in the western part of Serbia, in the Šumadija District. The municipality is located in a hilly area, with the tallest peak being Čemernik Mountain at 1,197 m above sea level. The area is characterized by two rivers; the Malešićka and Malička. The municipality is populated by farmers and cattle breeders who rely on the local natural resources and farming techniques that have been passed down by generations. The main economic activities are agriculture, forestry, and hunting.
The main cultural landscape of Gorj Novaci is dominated by the municipalities of Valjevo and Kragujevac. Culture and customs have been passed down through generations, making the region a vibrant and colourful place. One can find traditional instruments such as the bagpipe, tamburica, and the wooden flute, which one can hear playing at local festivals.
Nature and wildlife are plentiful in the municipality, making it a great place for hiking and nature photography. An abundance of forests, rivers, and beautiful landscapes make Gorj Novaci a great destination for outdoor recreation and eco-tourism.
International links have been growing over recent years as entire villages in the region are participating in the EU Interreg Program, helping to create new businesses and improve the local economy. This is evidenced by the increasing number of people attending the local Fagas Fest – an annual cultural and music event that brings together all people in the region.
The municipality is home to many interesting sites, such as the Monastery of Saint John the Baptist, the Museum of Ethnography, and the Erjavčeva House – a 300-year-old wooden house set amongst the pines and chestnut trees of the local landscape.
Gorj Novaci is an area full of culture, nature, and tradition, and is worth a visit.
get there
To get to Gorj Novaci district from your current location, you will need to find out how to get to the municipality in which it is located. Depending on where you are located, you may have to make use of public transportation, such as bus or train services. Alternatively, you may decide to drive there. Once you have arrived in the municipality, you will find signs that point the way to the Gorj Novaci district.
The Gorj Novaci district is located in the southwestern part of Romania, in the region of Gorj. It is bordered by the districts of Targu Jiu to the north and east, Teleorman to the south, Dolj to the south and east, Mehedinţi to the west and Valcea to the north and west. The capital of the district is Novaci, a city that has a population of approximately 17,000 people. The district has an area of 440 km² and a population of 67,812 inhabitants, according to the 2011 census.
The economy of the district is based on agriculture, with its main products being cereals, vegetables and cattle. Other sectors of the economy include the forestry and the tourism sector, with the main attractions being the nature reserves of Retezat National Park and Șureanu Mountains. The district also has a significant industrial activity, with the city of Novaci being the home of some of Romania’s largest industrial organizations.
Novaci is also the home of some of Romania’s major universities, including the University of Gorj and the West University of Timisoara. Other cultural institutions in the district include the Gorj County Museum and the Huniade Library.
The district is also home to some of Romania’s most important annual events, such as the International Folklore Festival held in Novaci every summer and November’s National Holocaust Memorial Day. Finally, the Novaci Tarziu Monastery is considered one of the most important religious sites in Romania.
Dăncușeni is located is composed of 13 Communes).
The 13 Communes that make up the Gorj Novaci District are:
1. Bâlta
2. Biești
3. Ciocești
4. Crasna
5. Dăncușeni
6. Gâlcești
7. Mătăsaru
8. Miscănești
9. Negrești
10. Popești
11. Răciula
12. Ștefănești
13. Tălmaș
The best way to get to Gorj Novaci district is by car. Depending on where you are starting from, you can use an online route planner to find the best route from your starting point to Gorj Novaci district. Alternatively, you can take public transportation such as a bus or train to get to your destination.
Gorj Novaci district has a rich history, and many places of interest are scattered throughout the region.
1. The Kladovo Fortress – Built in the late 18th century on the Danube river, this fortress served as a strategic landmark on the river before the modern bridges that link Romania with Bulgaria were built. It was frequently the site of battles during the Ottoman-Habsburg wars.
2. The Enescu Memorial House – This house is the former home of the famous Romanian composer George Enescu. It is located in the nearby village of Timiseni, and visitors can enjoy recordings of his works in the house as well as learning about his life and admire original manuscripts.
3. The Town Walls of Drobeta – Built in the Middle Ages, the town walls of Drobeta were constructed using stones and a type of mortar. Although many of them were destroyed during World War II, a few sections remain and are considered to be archeologically important.
4. The Mehedinti County Museum – This museum houses a collection of Roman, Byzantine and medieval artifacts. It also offers a range of interactive educational activities and hosts occasional exhibitions.
5. The Poienari Citadel – This former fortress was built during the 15th century by the Romanians and was later used as a refuge in the event of enemy incursions. The citadel features a tall tower, a chapel and a dungeon.
6. The Iron Gates of Dunabe – This Unesco-protected section of the Danube separates Novaci from Bulgaria. Here, there are in total 14 monumental stone statues crafted by the renowned Romanian sculptor Constantin Brancusi.
1. The Old Monastery Gorj Novaci
2. The Caraiman Monastery
3. The Seciu Waterfall
4. The Gorjului Castle
5. The Cerna Valley
6. Valea Orbului Monastery
7. Iginoasa Cave
8. The Nun’s Valley
9. The Bear Cave
10. Mount Capra
Gorj Novaci district is an area located in the south of Romania that offers numerous opportunities for visitors to enjoy the culture and nature. Among the main attractions to be found within its boundaries include the following:
1. The Cazanele Negre National Park, a protected area considered to be one of the most important natural heritage sites in Romania.
2. The Viștea Valley, known for its picturesque landscape of lush meadows and forests, as well as its rich biodiversity.
3. The ruins of the Cetățuia fortress, a 14th-century structure built by the Teutonic Knights that offers incredible views of the surrounding area.
4. The city of Novaci, a historically important cultural center that features numerous architectural monuments and remains of the once great Roman Empire.
5. The Bâlea Lake, an artificial lake in the Carpathian Mountains that offers a unique view and many outdoor activities, such as fishing and hiking.
6. A number of museums and galleries, such as the Novaci Art Museum and the Prejmer Waxwork Gallery, that offer visitors a glimpse into the region’s storied past.