Dolj (county)

Dolj (county)

Dolj county is the heart of the southern plains and a place where grand urban parks meet the wide horizons of the grain lands. You can walk through Nicolae Romanescu Park in **Craiova**, which is one of the largest and most beautiful natural parks in Europe. It features a fairy-tale suspended bridge, a medieval-style castle and a large lake where you can rent boats. The ancient trees offer deep shade from the intense southern sun, making it a perfect spot for a long relaxing afternoon. The park also includes a small zoo and miles of winding paths that are ideal for cycling or a quiet stroll. Drive across the wide plains where the land is flat and the crops turn golden under the bright summer sun. You find large farms and quiet river towns that sit along the banks of the **Danube**. The scenery is broad and open, which makes for an easy and relaxing drive for those who love the feeling of endless space. Life moves at a steady, calm pace here, influenced by the rhythm of the agriculture and the river. It is a land of big horizons where you can see the weather moving across the sky from miles away. The city of **Craiova** is full of grand palaces and art galleries that reflect the wealth of the old southern aristocracy. You can find original sculptures by **Constantin Brâncuși** in the local Art Museum, which is housed in a stunning palace with gold-leaf ceilings. The buildings in the city center feature rich stone carvings and elegant facades that remind you of the city's royal connections. This route offers a look at the elegance of the south and the pride of a region built on the riches of the earth. The city’s main square is a lively hub of fountains and cafes that comes alive after the sun goes down.

Dolj (county) highlights

Part of these road trips

Follow the routes that cross this destination

The Scenic Route
The Heritage Drive
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History of Dolj (county)

Dolj is the proud center of the Oltenia region and a land defined by aristocratic grace and the power of the Danube. The regional capital of Craiova was once the seat of the Great Bans who were the most powerful governors in the land after the ruling prince. The city flourished as a commercial hub for grain and livestock trade with the west which funded the construction of grand palaces like the Jean Mihail residence completed in nineteen hundred and seven. This building features Carrara marble and Murano glass reflecting the immense wealth of the southern boyar families. The history of the county is also tied to the defensive manor houses known as cule which were built with thick stone walls and small windows to survive raids by the Ottoman bands. The vast plains of the south lead to the Danube river where the port of Calafat served as a strategic point during the eighteen seventy seven War of Independence. This was the site where the first shots of the war were fired marking the beginning of the struggle for national sovereignty. The local culture is famous for its vibrant folk dances and the complex geometric patterns of the traditional Oltenian rugs. Road trippers can enjoy the open horizons of the southern plains and the lush greenery of the Nicolae Romanescu Park which is one of the largest natural parks in Eastern Europe. You can drive to the banks of the Danube to see the massive bridge connecting the region to the south or explore the small villages where traditional pottery is still made by hand. The region is a mix of sophisticated urban history and the hard working spirit of the agricultural heartland. Dolj is a journey through the legacy of the southern governors and the sun drenched beauty of the river plains.
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