Rapoltu Mare is a district located in Hunedoara County, Romania. It is situated in the historical region of Transylvania and includes the villages of Băița, Bobâlna, Brădești, Breaza, Călan, Călanelu de Sus, Cănești, Cernești, Ghelari, Lunca Măgurei, Obișelu Mare, Rapoltu Mare, Rau de Mori, Rau Sadului, Șvinita, and Valea Viilor. The area has historically been a major center for farming, livestock and forestry. There are also small industries in the district, mostly producing food. The district lies on the banks of the Mureș River, close to the Iron Gates National Park. The main tourist attractions in the region lie in the areas of Rau de Mori and Rau Sadului, with ancient remains and monuments in the vicinity.
Rapoltu Mare is located is a district in the Hunedoara County in Transylvania, Romania. The district includes 9 communes and 138 villages, with a total population of approximately 30,000 people. The district capital is also called Rapoltu Mare. The main economic activities in this district include forestry, Sheep breeding and tourism.
The main tourist attractions in the district include the fortified church in Rapoltu Mare, the timber church of the Holy Trinity in Malu Mare, the medieval castle of Vintu De Jos and the village fortress of Fata. The district also offers outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, golf and skiing. There are a variety of parks and natural reserves, such as the Scărișoara Cave Nature Reserve and a bird sanctuary located in Mârzăreni.
The best way to travel to Hunedoara Rapoltu Mare district is by car. You can rent a car if you don’t have one and make the journey. Another option is to take the bus from either Blaj, Alba Iulia or Sibiu. These cities are the closest to Hunedoara Rapoltu Mare district and you can find buses that travel between these cities and the district.
1. Corvin Castle: Located in Hunedoara, Romania, Corvin Castle was built in the 15th century by the Hunyadi King of Hungary, John Hunyadi. This Gothic-Renaissance castle is considered one of the most important historic monuments in Romania, due to its size and its location on the high mountain. The castle has a double ring of walls, towers and bastions and has multiple levels inside including dungeons, a chapel and banquet halls. Today, Corvin Castle is open to explore and a museum dedicated to medieval life.
2. Teliucu Inferior Fortress: This 15th century fortress is situated in the village of Hunedoara-Rapoltu Mare. The fortress is constructed in four levels and has multiple artillery towers and casemates. It is believed that the fort was constructed by John Hunyadi to help protect his country. Today, the fortress is open to the public to explore and learn about local history.
3. Vaideiu Church: This 12th century church is located in the village of Rapoltu Mare, Hunedoara. The church is a single-nave structure, with a barrel vault and six early-Romanesque pillars. It has become a great tourist attraction due to its historical and architectural importance.
4. Lapusna Mosque: The Lapusna Mosque is a 17th century Islamic cultural monument that is located in Rapoltu Mare. It features architectural elements such as four minarets, an octagonal-shaped dome, a mihrab as well as various types of carved granite elements. The mosque features colorful wall inscriptions and is open to visitors.
5. Sovata Calnic Fortress: This 17th century fortress is situated in the village of Calnic, Hunedoara-Rapoltu Mare. Originally called the Chioarului Fortress, it served as a guard post for the villages of Calnic and Tarnita. The fortress is three-stories tall and is made of stone, with a courtyard and many fireplaces. The fortress is open for exploration and for guided tours.
1. Corvin Castle: Corvin Castle, also known as Hunyad Castle, is a Gothic-Renaissance castle in Hunedoara in Transylvania, Romania. It is one of the largest castles in Europe and a renowned tourist attraction due to its distinctive architecture and picturesque location.
2. Apuseni Mountains: The Apuseni Mountains are a mountain range in Transylvania, Romania. The range is known for its stunning beauty and variety of habitats, as well as its numerous caves and gorges. Popular activities in the Apuseni Mountains include hiking, camping, and caving.
3. Cheile Nerei-Beusnita National Park: Cheile Nerei-Beusnita National Park is located in the North-West of Romania, in the Carpathian mountain range. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including brown bears, wolves, and lynxes, and boasts spectacular views of the nature and impressive landscapes.
4. Dacian Fortresses of the Orastie Mountains: The Dacian Fortresses of the Orastie Mountains are a set of citadels built by the ancient Dacians to protect their lands. The fortresses are located on a plateau above the river, and consist of several ramps, walls, and fortifications. The site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999.
5. Retezat National Park: Retezat National Park is located in the Southern Carpathians of Romania. The park is home to over 800 species of plants, numerous glacial lakes and waterfalls, and is the perfect place for hiking and mountain climbing.
There are numerous activities on offer for tourists visiting the Rapoltu Mare district in Hunedoara, Romania.
1. Visit the Iron Museum of Hunedoara: this open-air museum offers a range of activities related to the area’s industrial history and showcases different types of machinery used in the steel industry.
2. Explore the Transylvanian fortress of Corvinesti: this 15th-century castle was the home of Iancu de Hunedoara and the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. Visitors can tour its courtyards, towers and dungeons, as well as learn more about the life of the famous ruler.
3. Hike through the Zlata Valley: a leisurely hike through the stunning mountainous landscape of the Zlata Valley offers breathtaking outdoor scenery.
4. Taste local wine at one of the area’s many wineries: visitors can sample some of Romania’s finest wines in the many vineyards and wineries of the Rapoltu Mare district.
5. Visit the small village of Gradiste: the small village of Gradiste offers an insight into the traditional rural lifestyle of Romania. Visitors can explore the traditional architecture and take part in local activities.
6. Boating on the Crisul Alb River: a boat ride down the river provides stunning views of forested hills and river valleys.
7. Go fishing: the area is home to some of the best fishing spots in Romania, with a variety of species such as catfish and carp.
8. Explore the rich and varied flora and fauna of the Apuseni mountains: the Apuseni mountains are a natural wonderland where visitors can see rare or endangered species such as the Carpathian chamois or wild cats.
9. Visit the Roman-Catholic Monastery of Misentea: this historic monastery is home to a unique collection of medieval frescoes and is open to the public.
10. Take part in traditional festivities: local villages host regular festivals and events such as the Show of Nature and the Fire Fly festival, which can give visitors a real insight into traditional Romanian culture and life.