The Baita district, located in the Județul of Hunedoara, Transylvania, Romania, dates back to medieval times when it was part of the former Principality of Transylvania. Founded in 1538, the district was originally part of the historic region known as Székely Land (secuimea) where many Székely people, an ethnic group indigenous to Transylvania, still reside. The district is bordered by the Carpathian mountains and the Apuseni mountains and features rolling hills, forests, and many picturesque villages.
As far back as the 15th century, the region was largely undeveloped and was home to a unique type of traditional life style. Even today, many of the farm and village houses still feature the traditional thatched roofs, hand-crafted stonework, and other traditional features. Hunting and fishing have long been popular activities in the area and the wooded areas offer a wide variety of game and fish for the avid hunter or angler.
In recent years, tourism and agri-tourism have become increasingly popular in the Baita district with the construction of new accommodations, properties, and attractions. The district also hosts an abundance of annual events such as the Iron Gates International Folk Festival and the Traditional Music Festival of Transylvania. A local collection of wildlife species, including bears, wolves, boars, deer, and foxes, can be seen up close at the Iron Gates Wildlife Park located in the district.
The people of the Baita district enjoy a rich cultural heritage and fine cuisine that feature dishes made with fresh herbs and vegetables, as well as delicious cheeses, meats, and pastries. Additionally, a strong sense of hospitality and a commitment to conservation and sustainability are amongst the aspects of the traditional lifestyle that continue to make Baita district an idyllic holiday destination for visitors from around the world.
Baita is a city and municipality situated in the Hunedoara County, Transylvania, Romania. According to the 2011 census, the population of Baita is 5,854, making it the 17th largest city in the county. The city is located in the foothills of the Transylvania Alps and is situated near the Mureș River.
The best way to get to Hunedoara Baita District is by car. You can either drive yourself or hire a car for the journey. If you are traveling from Romania, the most convenient route is to take the DN7 road from Timisoara to Deva and then turn onto the DN66 road from Deva to Hunedoara. The journey should take around 4 hours.
1. Băiţa Castle
Built in the 13th century, the Băiţa Castle is one of the oldest and most impressive castles in the Hunedoara district. The castle is situated in the center of the town of Băiţa and is surrounded by a park. The castle was originally constructed for military purposes and was used by various members of the Royal Family of Hungary during its long history. Today, the castle houses a museum that showcases the history of the region and its culture.
2. Hunedoara Clock Tower
The Hunedoara Clock Tower is a historic clock tower located in central Hunedoara. The tower was built in the 16th century and is one of the tallest structures in Hunedoara. The clock tower is the most visible monument in the town and has an importance to the culture of the region.
3. Remetea Church
Situated in the village of Remetea, the Remetea Church is an important example of Gothic architecture in the region. Built in the 1500s, the church features an interesting mix of Romanesque and Gothic influences. It is well-known for its beautiful frescos, vibrant stained glass windows, and impressive stone sculptures.
4. Sarmizegetusa Regia
Sarmizegetusa Regia is the site of an important Dacian settlement from the first century BC and an important part of Romania’s ancient history. The site includes an ancient fortress, a palace, and many other structures, such as large terraced walls, which were originally built for religious, political and administrative purposes. Today, the site is an important archaeological site and is open to the public.
1. Corvin Castle (Hunedoara): Built in the 15th century, Corvin Castle is one of the largest and best-preserved Gothic-style castles in Romania. Located on the banks of the river Zlasti, it is the main tourist attraction in Hunedoara and one of the most visited monuments in the country. Here you can explore the castle, take a guided tour to learn about its history, and admire the breathtaking views from its walls.
2. Râu Pescăruş Nature Reserve (Baita): A protected area of 70 hectares, located near Baita, where you can find a large variety of animal and plant species. Here, you can take a stroll or bicycle ride while admiring the surrounding scenery.
3. Prislop Monastery (Gurasada): Built in 1301, this monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Romania and is located in the heart of the Prislop Pass. Here, you can admire the beautiful architecture of the monastery, as well as explore its grounds.
4. Huniad Castle (Hunedoara): Huniad Castle was built by John Hunyadi, a Hungarian General, in the 15th century. Located in the city of Hunedoara, it is one of the most important citadels in Romania. Here, you can take a guided tour of the castle and learn about its history.
5. Sacelu Waterfall (Hunedoara): Located in the Hunedoara County, Sacelu Waterfall is an impressive natural formation with a height of over 50 meters. Here, you can admire the beauty of the waterfall and take a refreshing dip in its cool waters.
Hudosara Baita district has many activities to offer visitors. Among them are:
1. Skiing- Heading to Baita Peak, at 1400 m, one can enjoy a range of skiing activities on its 5 ski slopes, ranging from beginner to expert slopes.
2. Hiking-Hikers can enjoy the natural beauty of the area by taking a hike through the local forests and hills or enjoy a relaxing stroll along the gorgeous riverside pathways.
3. Horse-Riding- For those who are more adventurous and want to explore this magnificent region, there is the option of horse-riding. From riding through the picturesque landscapes to more challenging adventure rides, local ranches offer a variety of horse-riding activities suitable for everyone.
4. Cycling- Touring the area through mountain-bikes is also a popular activity in the district. With many rental shops available, adventurers can pick their own bike and explore the area.
5. Canoeing and Kayaking-Exploring the rivers or taking a leisurely canoe ride, visitors can take advantage of the numerous opportunities offered by local canoe and kayak renting companies.
6. Rock Climbing-For those who love climbing and experiencing challenges, the high rock walls in the district offer great opportunities for rock climbing.
7. Hunting-The area is home to a rich variety of wildlife and hunting services offer guided trips for hunting enthusiasts.
8. Deer-Feeding- The area is also home to a large deer population and visitors can take part in the deer-feeding activity. It is an experience that you can never forget.
9. Hot Air Ballooning- To make the most of the beautiful landscapes, hot air ballooning is one of the most popular activities in the district.