What Bacau is known for

Bacau, the capital city of Bacau County, is one of the region's possible tourist destinations. Bacău city features medieval architecture, predominantly in the Gothic style, with a road network tracing back to the Napoleonic era. In terms of green areas in the city, Bacău offers parks, for instance, the Park of the Roses. Bacau additionally serves as a university hub and houses numerous Orthodox monasteries. Local historical identity is reflected in its churches, historical edifices, and museum complexes. For instance, "Iulian Antonescu" History Museum displays significant artifacts from the Dacian period, while the Ethnography and Natural History Museums showcase various other exhibits. Furthermore, in the city is also situated the "Vasile Anestin" astronomical complex.[7] 

In the southwestern part of the county, people can visit a town called Târgu Ocna, known for its salt mine, which dates back to the 14th century when salt played a considerable role in food preservation. The salt mine features galleries spanning several kilometers that have remained operational to this day. An underground sanatorium was established and functioned within a section of the mine from 1974 to 2005. In 1992, a touristic complex was built in the heart of the salt massif, situated 240 meters below the surface and covering an area of 13,000 square meters. This facility provides a setting meant for relaxation and sports activities. Accessible via a guided 3-kilometer bus journey, the naturally cool environment is a destination for families, locals, and tourists to engage in picnics, sports, and recreational activities.[8] Moreover, the underground city also harbors a cathedral dedicated to the Holy Great Martyr Varvara, the miners' patron saint. Between April 14, 1991, and December 3, 1992, miners constructed Europe's first underground Orthodox church, honoring St. M. Mc. Barbarian. The altar features a pediment with 24 icons, with an iconostasis, royal chair, sconces, and chandelier crafted by miners. The regular liturgy began in 2016, reportedly enhancing the church's role in the community.[9] 

People seeking outdoor attractions can visit the Nemira Nature Reserve. For enthusiasts of mountain exploration, there are two relatively prominent routes originating from the Slănic Moldova resort. Those routes culminate at Farcul Mare at 1,700 meters and Farcul Mic at 300 meters. Another option is to hike to Vârful Şandru, standing at an elevation of 1,639 meters above sea level. The initial two routes span 5 kilometers and can be completed on foot in approximately two hours.[5]

Geography

Across the western region of Bacau County are stretching Eastern Carpathian mountains. There, the Oituz River and Trotuș River valleys form connections between the Romanian regions of Moldavia and Transylvania. On the county's eastern side, elevations decrease, with the Siret River valley serving as the county's lowest point, running through the center from north to south. The Moldavian Plateau lies to the east, crossed by various rivers. Bacău County's mountains, particularly within the rural Slănic-Moldova area, are home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, wolves, foxes, wild boars, and squirrels. Furthermore, local deer remnants are preserved in Mănăstirea Cașin.[4]

Despite its diverse landscape featuring abundant wildlife and plant life, Bacau County has limited natural reserves. These encompass the Darmanesti natural reserve, the sanatorium in Târgu Ocna, Dealul Perchiu, and the arboreta in Dofteana and Hemeius.[1] Another protected area in Bacau County is the Nemira Reserve. The Nemira Nature Reserve is a nationally significant protected area. Encompassing 3,490 hectares, it boasts coniferous forests and preserves various protected plant species. In the nature reserve can be found Lake Valea Uzului, situated 4 km from Sălătruc at an altitude of 532 m, which is designated a natural monument. Created in 1883 from landslides obstructing the Izvorul Negru and Uz rivers during prolonged rains, the lake spans 4.5 ha and reaches a depth of 3 meters. It holds significance for its phreatic waters, utilized for therapeutic purposes in Slănic, and plays a role in the local ecosystem.[5]

Concerning climatic conditions, Bacau County has a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers.[1] The warmest month in the city of Bacau is generally July, with an average daily temperature of 28°C. Reportedly, January is the coldest month, as temperatures average highs of 1°C. February tends to be the driest month in Bacau because it generally receives 26 mm of rainfall on average. The most precipitation falls during June, with an average of about 79 mm.[6]

History

Situated in central Moldova, the region of Bacau County reportedly offered suitable conditions for the establishment and growth of human communities thousands of years ago. Archaeological findings have confirmed human settlements in the county dating back to the Palaeolithic era. Amidst the historical context of the Thracian and Dacian cultures, during the Roman rule over parts of Dacia, the Bacau region hosted the Carpic civilization, which reportedly developed during the 2nd and 3rd centuries A.D. Despite the migrations of various groups, such as the Goths, Huns, Ostrogoths, and Slavic tribes, during different time periods, the native population persisted. The earliest documented records regarding the administrative and territorial organization of the Bacau region date back to the 15th and 16th centuries.[1] In the first half of the 19th century, Bacău's history intertwined with Romania's national resurgence, playing a role in the union movement. After the union, the county underwent development across various sectors. Notably, Bacău saw the establishment of gas, oil, coal, and various other factories. The county actively participated in World War I, with significant battles fought, and in World War II, facing industrial setbacks.[2] 

The county capital, Bacău, developed around a ford facilitating water passage. Archaeological findings reveal human settlements dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries, with Christians evident from ornate crosses on vessels. While during the 10th-12th centuries, Pechenegs and Cumans dominated the city, in the 15th century, Hungarian, German, and Romanian settlements emerged. The town endured several invasions and fires and eventually evolved into a trade hub and religious center influenced by the Catholic Church. Finally, in 1851, the first Moldavian paper mill was established in the city.[3]