Vâlcea (county)

Vâlcea (county)

Vâlcea county offers a thrilling and spectacular drive through the **Cozia Gorge**, where the Olt river has cut a narrow path through the high mountains. The road follows every bend of the river, with massive rock walls rising thousands of feet on either side and white water rushing below. It is a bold and grand scenery that stays in your mind, offering many tunnels and narrow bridges that are a thrill to drive. The air is fresh and the mountains are covered in dense forests of oak and beech that change color beautifully with the seasons. You pass several ancient monasteries, like Cozia, that were built by the old princes right on the edge of the water. Visit **Horezu** to find the most famous and beautiful pottery in the land, recognized globally for its unique and intricate style. The ceramic plates and bowls are hand-painted with bright images of birds, flowers, and the famous Horezu rooster in a tradition that has been passed down for centuries. You can see the local artists at work in their small workshops and even try your hand at the potter's wheel under their expert guidance. The town is a place of deep pride and ancient craft, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the sub-Carpathian hills. The local Hurezi Monastery is a white stone gem of art and peace that is a must-visit for any art lover. The **mountain spas of Vâlcea** are world-famous for their healing mineral waters and have been welcoming travelers seeking health for over a century. You can soak in warm pools and enjoy the fresh, ionized mountain air in resorts like **Călimănești** or **Olănești**. The local parks are filled with flowers, statues, and quiet paths that are perfect for a relaxing walk after a long day of driving. It is a top choice for a day of rest and recovery, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and high-quality spa treatments. This route is a fascinating mix of wild river power and delicate traditional art.

Vâlcea (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 Vâlcea (county)

Vâlcea is the land of the living monasteries and the historic salt routes of the Olt Valley. The region is home to the Hurezi Monastery which was founded in 1690 by Constantin Brâncoveanu and is considered the finest example of the Brâncovenesc style featuring a unique blend of Renaissance and Byzantine architecture. The county history is also defined by the Salt Mine of Ocnele Mari which has been in operation since the Roman era and features massive underground chambers that were once used as a strategic refuge. The landscape is a dramatic mix of the high Făgăraș and Lotru mountains and the deep river gorges of the Olt. The county holds the history of the Transalpina road which was originally a Roman strategic path known as the Devil Path used by the legions to move rapidly across the peaks. The mountain resort of Călimănești Căciulata was discovered by monks in the middle ages and its mineral waters were so famous that they were sent by special carriage to Emperor Napoleon III in the 19th century. The region is also the birthplace of the national anthem which was first performed in 1848 in the city of Râmnicu Vâlcea during the revolutionary movements that swept the land. The local pottery center at Horezu is famous for its unique rooster motif and has used the same clay techniques for over 300 years. For a road trip user the DN7 through the Olt Valley is one of the most spectacular drives in the country passing beneath high limestone cliffs and ancient watchtowers. You can drive to the Vidra Lake or follow the high altitude curves toward the Lotru Valley to see the massive hydroelectric dams of the 1970s. You should visit the Museum of the Trovants to see the growing stones which are unique geological formations that seem to expand after the rain. Vâlcea is a journey through the spiritual heart of the southern mountains and the ancient engineering of the Roman mountain passes.
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