Discover Argeș County, Romania – Curtea de Argeș, Poienari Fortress, Transfăgărășan Area, Stan’s Valley, Vidraru dam, Bâlea Lake…

Arges County is located in the central – south Romania and has a varied landscape from mountains to lowland areas, altitude ranging from 2500 meters in the Făgăraș Mountains up to 160 meters in the lowlands.

Valea Rea

Valea Rea (Bad Valley)

On the territory of this county there is the highest peak in Romanian Carpathians – Moldoveanu Peak (2544m), other 5 peaks over 2500 m and four of the most significant mountain ranges of Romanian landscape: Făgăraș; Piatra Craiului ; Iezer-Păpușa and Leaota.
This is the reason why this county presents a great attraction for lovers of mountain tourism in all its aspects from climbing to walking in nature.

However, Argeș tourist offer includes also historical or cultural objectives.

Our recommendations for a holiday in Argeș County are:

Curtea de Arges a city that dates under its current name since 1510. The well known monastery, with the same name, which is the main attraction of the city was founded by Neagoe Basarab and houses the tombs of kings Carol I, Ferdinand and Carol the IInd.
The famous legend of Manole Master is related to this monastery.

Cetatea Poienari (Poienari Fortress) is a real “eagle’s nest” located on a mountain top at about 400 m above the valley, next to Arefu. The fortress, initially consisting of a single tower built by NegruVodă, was developed by Vlad Țepeș (known as Dracula), as point of defense against Ottoman invasions.

Today tourists, who dare to climb the 1480 steps leading to the fortress, can admire the spectacular view of Argeș Valley and the mountains that guard it.

Transfăgărăşan is a road going from Muntenia to Transylvania by crossing on the north – south axis the Făgăraş Mountains. Starting at its southern limit from Bascov- Arges County, Transfăgărăşan reaches a maximum altitude of 2042 m near the tunnel of Lake Bâlea. The road is very spectacular and picturesque, providing on its way to Lake Bâlea a panoramic perspective on the alpine landscape of the southern Făgăraş slopes. The road crosses the dam of Vidraru Hydropower Plant and follows the shores of Vidraru Lake on several kilometers.

The Stan’s Valley trail follows in most of its part the way of the river with the same name.
The route is very spectacular, being landscaped with ladders and cables in order to cross the river bed, often at dizzy altitudes. The numerous waterfalls and places where the waters rest after tumultuous falling downs make a wild and peerless scenery. The starting point is from Transfăgărășan before getting to Vidraru Dam (at the triptych) and ends right on the dam after a journey of about 4 hours.

Tourist route Pitesti – Domnești – Corbi – Nucşoara
A visit in Argeș County is not complete without going on the way of folk art as it is considered the tourist route Pitesti – Domnești – Corbi – Nucşoara.
On the route, of 80 km, you can meet all that means tradition in these places, from popular fairs, to museums and spirituality. In Costesti, tourists can admire the work of pottery and cooper craftsmen.
On this route you can see many important cultural sights of the historical area called Țara Românească (Romanian Country):
-the oldest documented settlement- Badesti,
-the oldest library in the rural area,
-the Ravens Stone cave assembly that hosts the oldest group of paintings.

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