What Covasna is known for

One of the reasons for people to visit Covasna County is its history. There are a number of castles and mansions where people can learn about the historical heritage of Covasna. One such example is Kálnoky Castle, located in the county's western part. In the 17th century, the story of the Micloșoara estate and its castle began with the construction of stone houses noted by Kálnoky István III in 1648. The estate which passed down through generations, was once a hunting lodge but was later nationalized during communism. Count Tibor Kálnoky, the 25th generation of this family, returned to save the family's architectural and cultural heritage. Today, the castle has been transformed into the Museum of Transylvanian Life, representing a life story spanning over four centuries. It is now managed by the same family who gave it its name.[6] The Museum of Transylvanian Life, housed in Kálnoky Castle in Micloșoara, offers a glimpse into the noble life of Transylvania. It features a diverse collection of objects, including authentic weapons from Kálnoky's battles, reconstructed garments, and even an original Streicher piano used by Johannes Brahms. The museum occupies the entire ground floor of the former Hunting Lodge, showcasing late Renaissance and early Baroque styles typical for Transylvania. Rooms such as the Lady's house and the Master's house offer insights into daily life in the castle, while the stone cellar recreates an 18th-century castle kitchen appearance.[7] Other castles within Covasna borders include Daniel Castle in Vârghiș, Mikes-Szentkereszty Castle, Koréh-Dénes Mansion, and Zabola Estate.[8]

Furthermore, Daniel Castle isn't the only reason people tend to visit the Vârghiş area, as Vârghiş Gorges Nature Reserve can be found within the vicinity of the village, offering various opportunities for hiking and caving. Situated in the northern part of the Perșani Mountains, the nature reserve is traversed by the Vârghiş River and boasts several limestone cliffs and distinctive geomorphic features. Stretching for approximately four kilometers, the local nature area includes limestone cliffs, steep mountainsides, limestone formations such as the Pigeons Tower and Csala Tower, as well as pit caves, sinkholes, and streams. The cave formations hold considerable scientific and speleological value, some concealing archaeological and paleontological findings, although a few are restricted from public access. Additionally, Vârghiş Gorges Nature Reserve provides refuge to the country's largest bat population, encompassing 19 species. Visitors can join guided tours led by local experts to explore the area.[9]

Geography

Two distinct geological and geographical regions characterize Covasna County's landscape. The central zone occupies the northwestern part of the inter-Carpathian basin known as Bârsa Country, of tectonic origin. There, the landscape features mountain ranges that are part of the Carpathian arch, primarily formed through folding and tectonic processes. However, there are volcanic mountain massifs on the county's northern edge. Additionally, there are two other tectonic-erosive basins at the northwestern and southeastern extremities: the Baraolt basin and the Întorsura Buzaului basin. Covasna County boasts a hydrographic network comprising rivers part of two primary basins, the Olt and Siret, which ultimately flow into the Danube. Additionally, the county has several natural resources, with lignite being the most abundant. Other resources include mineral water deposits, shale, sandstone, limestone, clay, andesite, sand, gravel, infusorial earth, and fire clay.[1]

The Reci birch forest in Covasna County is a protected area renowned for its biodiversity and geological distinctiveness. Spanning over 2,100 hectares, this site features an array of natural sights, including birch forests, marshes, and reddish dunes that reach up to 6 meters. Situated in the Brașov Depression and extending up to 600 meters in elevation, the reserve lies in the meadow of the Black River, a tributary of the Olt. It encompasses a variety of habitats, from eutrophic lakes and marshes to forests, alluvial meadows, and riparian communities filled with tall grasses. Notably, this natural area aligns closely with the "Mestecanișul de la Reci y Baltile de la Ozun-Sântionlunca" natural reserve, covering 99% of the same territory. The Reci Mestecaniș area has a diverse flora featuring endangered species such as Aldrovanda Vesiculosa, Variegated Tulips, and White Water Lilies. The reserve also hosts a range of trees and shrubs, including birch, Scots pine, black alder, hazel, and the rare Bancasian pine. As for fauna, the site supports mammals such as wolves, deer, wild boar, and foxes. It is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 150 bird species, including 25 European-protected species.[4]

The climate in Covasna County is moderate, typically having warm summers and frosty winters.[2] The warmest month in Sfântu Gheorghe tends to be August, with an average daily temperature of 28°C. January is most commonly the coldest month, as temperatures average approximately 6°C. July is often considered to be the driest month in Sfântu Gheorghe because it generally receives 30 millimeters of rainfall on average. The most precipitation falls during October, with an average of about 48 millimeters.[5] 

History

The earliest traces of human habitation in Covasna County date back to the mid-Palaeolithic period, specifically in Bradut. In the early Neolithic period, the Cris Culture and linear ceramic culture left their mark with discoveries in Anghelus and Petriceni. Among these Neolithic cultures in Covasna, the Cucuteni-Ariusd culture is notable for its widespread presence and ceramic artifacts. Moving into the second Iron Age, various tribal unions settled in the Dacian territory, encompassing the Gaeto-Dacian population within what is now Covasna County. Numerous Dacian gold ornaments have been unearthed in locations such as Ghelinta and Surcea. During the Roman occupation, the local passes were controlled by military camps established at Olteni, Bretcu, Comandau, and Borosneu Mare. Alongside these military installations, evidence of civilian settlements has also been documented from the Roman era.[1]

Between the 5th and 7th centuries, evidence of the Gepez people's arrival to Covasna County was discovered. Additionally, from the 6th to the 12th centuries, the region experienced incursions by migrating communities, including Slavs, Hungarians, Avars, and others. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the territory was settled by the Szeklers, who, during their coexistence with the indigenous population, developed their culture.[2]

Sfântu Gheorghe, the capital city of Covasna County, traces its origins back to 1332. Named after Saint George, the town was historically known as Sankt Georgen in German. During its time as part of the Kingdom of Hungary, Sfântu Gheorghe served as the economic and administrative center of the Hungarian county of Háromszék, covering present-day Covasna County and parts of Brașov County. In the late 19th century, the town witnessed the growth of the light industry with the establishment of a textile factory and a cigarette factory. Following World War I, the town came under Romanian administration during the Hungarian–Romanian War of 1918–1919. However, the Treaty of Trianon in 1920 officially incorporated it into the Kingdom of Romania, where it became the seat of Trei Scaune County. The town briefly experienced the Sfântu Gheorghe ghetto towards the end of World War II. Afterward, it was again integrated into Romania, as confirmed by the Paris Peace Treaties of 1947.[3]