Gorj (county)

Gorj (county)

Gorj county is the land of stone and the birthplace of **Constantin Brâncuși**, one of the most famous artists in history. You can stand before the Endless Column and the Table of Silence in **Târgu Jiu**, which are world-renowned icons of modern art. These massive sculptures sit in quiet public parks where you can walk and reflect on the artist’s vision of infinity and peace. It is a unique place where high art and everyday life live together in the middle of a modern town. Many visitors from around the world come here to pay their respects to the master of stone and bronze. Drive through the **Jiu** River Gorge for a thrilling mountain experience that takes you through the heart of a national park. The road follows the river as it cuts through massive rock walls, offering dramatic tunnels and narrow bridges. The cliffs are steep and covered in dense green trees, creating a cool and shaded environment even on the hottest days. It is a bold and exciting route for any driver, with plenty of spots to pull over and watch the rafters on the river below. The gorge connects the southern plains to the high Transylvanian plateau through a spectacular mountain corridor. The mountains of Gorj offer high winding roads and secret caves like the **Muierilor** Cave, which was used as a shelter during ancient wars. You find small stone villages where the local people still practice the arts of wood carving and traditional weaving. The air is sharp and the high peaks are often wrapped in clouds, giving the landscape a mysterious and epic feel. Stop at a local mountain hut for a plate of hot sheep cheese and polenta after a day of exploring the trails. This route is a perfect mix of high-culture art and the wild, raw power of the Carpathian mountains.

Gorj (county) highlights

Part of these road trips

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

Gorj is a land of stone and spirit where the mountains provided the inspiration for the world's most famous modern art. It is the birthplace of Constantin Brâncuși who grew up in the wooden village of Hobița learning the ancient art of carving from the local peasants. In the capital of Târgu Jiu he created a monumental ensemble in nineteen hundred and thirty eight that includes the Infinite Column and the Gate of the Kiss serving as a sacred tribute to the heroes of the Great War. These sculptures transformed the regional landscape into a world class outdoor gallery that celebrates the human soul through minimalist form. The history of the county is carved into the limestone of the Southern Carpathians where the region is famous for the Polovragi and Baia de Fier caves. These sites served as hideouts for outlaws and spiritual retreats for monks for over two thousand years. The local cule which are fortified manor houses at Curtișoara show how the noble families protected themselves from nomadic raids during the turbulent eighteenth century. The mountain roads wind through the Sohodol Gorges where the water has cut deep tunnels and arches into the prehistoric rock creating a natural fortress of stone. Driving through Gorj offers a path through the Parâng Mountains leading to the high altitude Transalpina road which is the highest in the country. You can explore the Tismana Monastery which is the oldest and most beautiful sanctuary in the land founded in the fourteenth century and protected by high stone walls. The local culture is known for its energetic music and the intricate geometric patterns found on traditional woven rugs. Gorj is a journey from the humble origins of a global artist to the raw majestic power of the mountain peaks.
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