Dolj County, found in the southernmost part of Romania, is one of the country's 41 self-governing units. Dolj contributes to the state borders with Bulgaria to the south, with the natural boundary being represented by the Danube's water flow. Furthermore, the county neighbors Gorj and Vâlcea in the north, Olt in the east, and Mehedinti in the west.[1] The capital city, Craiova, represents one of the predominant tourist attractions in the region, featuring several historical and cultural landmarks, including churches and museums. Additionally, Craiova is home to Europe's third-largest park.[6] For outdoors enthusiasts, Dolj consists of multiple protected areas, including the Special protection area Maglavit, Lake Bistreț, and the Reservation of Wild Peony from Pleniţa, to name a few.[9] The county's landscapes are formed by Danube meadows, plains, and hills, with altitudes increasing from 30 to 350 meters above sea level from the south to the north of the county. The climate is temperate, averaging annually at 10-11.5°C.[2] On account of July's average temperatures being the highest compared to other months of the year, July is often considered by visitors to be an ideal time to travel to Dolj.[5] Historically, Dolj territory has been inhabited since prehistoric times.[1] However, the first mention of the county dates back to the year 1444, when the local area was known as the County of Baltă.[2]
Craiova, the largest city in southwestern Romania, boasts a considerable historical and cultural heritage, attracting a number of tourists to the area. The city's architecture is marked by the Brâncovenesc style, characterized by a fusion of Romanian traditional art, Byzantine, and Venetian elements. Landmarks such as Saint Ilie Church, All Saints Church, and the Old Saint Gheorghe Church showcase this architectural style.
Craiova is also home to cultural institutions, including the Museum of the Region of Oltenia and the Craiova Art Museum, which houses a room dedicated to sculptor Constantin Brâncuși. Nature enthusiasts can explore Nicolae Romanescu Park, the second-largest in Romania and third-largest in Europe, featuring a botanical garden, zoo, and racetrack. Moreover, in 2021, the Craiova Christmas Market was recognized as one of the 20 Best Christmas Markets in Europe by European Best Destinations.[6]
Domeniul Coroanei Segarcea is situated in the southern Oltenia region of Romania.
Characterized by rugged soil, the region has conditions that are reasonably suitable for vine growing, as Domeniul Coroanei Segarcea receives a fair amount of sunlight. Initially established in 1884 under King Carol I's administration, the Royal House of Romania oversaw this estate, focusing on both financial support and agricultural advancement. Segarcea became a vineyard and winery of significance, accompanying the country's leaders and witnessing historic events.
The vineyard has evidently left a legacy, with wines from Domeniul Coroanei Segarcea earning international recognition since 2007. Visitors to the region can explore the wine heritage and take part in wine tastings at the estate's cellar.[7]
Another outdoor destination of Dolj County is Wild Peony Nature Reserve—approximately 59 kilometers from Craiova—near the border with Mehedinţi County. As the name of the reserve suggests, during the flowering season, a diverse array of wild peonies grows throughout the area, specifically the Paeonia Peregrina.
Notably, the peony has a long history of medicinal use, with Pliny, an ancient scholar, providing detailed descriptions of its potential to treat numerous ailments, reportedly up to 20 different diseases.
Each year, in May, the local community gathers for the traditional Peony Celebration in Pleniţa. The event features a prominent red peony, extending a welcome to both local residents and visitors from Gorj, Olt, and Mehedinţi.[8]
Dolj County encompasses a total area of 7,414 square kilometers, accounting for approximately 3.1% of Romania's territory. Within Romania's administrative regions, Dolj ranks as the seventh largest. The county's topography comprises the Danube meadow area, plains, and hilly regions. Altitudes range from 30 to 350 meters above sea level, gradually ascending from the southern to northern parts. Dolj's relief is characterized by flat terraces that ascend in a pyramid-like shape from the Danube meadows to the Amaradia hills.
Notably, the county features its largest expanse of sandy terrain alongside numerous lakes formed by Danube overflow and precipitation accumulation. Regarding vegetation and flora, the southern part of the county is covered by plains with vegetation typical of the steppe zone. Acacia forests are spread in areas such as Ciupercenii Noi and Apele Vii, while oak forests predominate Verbița, Murgași, and Braniște.
In terms of fauna, terrestrial and aquatic species have experienced alterations due to hunting and overfishing. Common species in the meadow regions include coots, storks, egrets, and various rodent species.[2]
One of the protected natural areas within the Dolj County borders is Lake Bistreț which offers a habitat for birds migrating along the Danube. Throughout the year, particularly during the spring and autumn migrations, the lake becomes a temporary home for a number of birds.
Covering an expansive 1,936 hectares, Lake Bistreț serves as a site for safeguarding migratory bird species. The region offers a glimpse of various bird species, including ducks, geese, grebes, pelicans, cormorants, herons, egrets, storks, seagulls, terns, and thrushes, as well as different types of waders.[4]
Dolj County falls within the temperate climate zone, with Mediterranean influences from its southwestern location. The county's geographic position, nestled near the curve of the Carpatho-Balkan mountain range, results in an overall warmer climate compared to the central and northern regions of Romania.[2] The warmest month in Craiova tends to be August, with an average daily temperature of 32°C. January is most commonly the coldest month, as temperatures average approximately 4°C. The driest month in Craiova is typically February because it generally receives 40 millimeters of rainfall on average. The most precipitation falls during June, with an average of about 81 millimeters.[5]
The earliest human communities in the Dolj region are said to be Amarasti, Farcas, and Dobromira, due to the discovery of archaeological findings in these areas which date back to the end of the ancient era. The Neolithic period, on the other hand, reveals even more evidence of human presence. In Cârcea and Cosoveni, the earliest phase of this era has been identified, marked by painted ceramics that rival the artistic quality of ceramics from the Aegean-Anatolian Neolithic period.
The Neolithic period in the area is distinguished by its relatively high population density and various material and cultural traits.[1]
As for the earliest documented record of Dolj, this documentation dates back to 1444, when it was known as the County of Baltă. Dolj was situated in the Danube Plain, extending from Balta Blahnița—which is now in Mehedinți County—to the present-day Dolje commune, Bistreț. Besides its ancient name, Pelendava, it was revealed that the town also held the Latin name Ponsiona from the 7th to the 8th centuries, which means "bridge over the Jiu." This name was found inscribed on a fragment of a stela near the Pelendava castle, dating back to the 7th century. Further confirmation of its name came from a map created around the time of the Battle of Nicopole in 1396 on a manuscript at the National Library in Paris. This document attests to Craiova's continuous existence between the 7th and 12th centuries, indicating a community in the Dolj County area.[2]
Dolj County served as an administrative division of Wallachia from 1330 to 1859, then of the Principality of Romania from 1859 to 1881, followed by the Kingdom of Romania from 1881 to 1948. Subsequently, it became part of the Romanian "People's" Republic from 1949 to 1952. Between 1952 and 1975, the county ceased to exist as the communist regime replaced counties with larger regions. However, it was reestablished in 1975 within similar boundaries during the Socialist Republic of Romania (1968 to 1989). Since 1990, it has been a territorial subdivision of democratic Romania.[3]
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