Situated in the heart of the Apuseni Mountains, Rosia Montana is a small village with an important story to tell. In fact, this little village is so disputed that has kept the media attention for quite a while. It seems like everyone wants to get a piece of this lovely spot of nature, and everyone fights for it… In the end will be only one winner, who that might be, we are not able to presume now.

With such a start, most certainly you feel lost. I shall make myself understood in the following lines. Rosia Montana is a small village that has witnessed thousands of years of history. One can find references of its existence from ancient times, far from the Roman Empire as one of the most traditional places in mining in Europe. The village is spread on the slopes of Rosia Valley, named so because of the red color of the water due to the high level of iron oxides. Even if the village is not situated at a very high altitude, 800 m, the landscape is marvelous. There are many people who consider The Apuseni Mountains as the most impressing mountains from the Carpathian Chain that stretches on our country. I must add that these mountains are the most accessible for hiking as they are not very high and rough. One can also see the scars of the long lasting exploitation. From place to place, an old man watching his sheep, close to one of the many artificial lakes, the feature best known of these mountains. These lakes were created initially for the mining activities, but today they are used for tourism. There are today almost 105 artificial lakes in this region as a result of the intense mining activity in time.

The miracles of nature

In the nearness of Rosia Montana are spotted two geological sites, declared monuments of the nature; these are Piatra Corbului and Piatra Despicata. The first one is situated in the south of the village, at about one hour by foot. Its heights vary between 950 and 1100 meters and have the form of a raven head, because of the intense process of disintegration and erosion. This spot of nature is protected by law, as well as another geological wonder placed nearby, named Piatra Despicata. It is formed of a huge rock, a kind of rock never met before in these places, separated from the ground. One can access this place from the village, by a former industrial road.
Once arrived in Rosia Montana you must not miss Dealul Cetatii, one of the most important historical sites. Here, you can see the galleries and the wells from the ancient Roman mines. Here is indeed an important archaeological site, with many important discoveries that confirm the ancient existence of this settlement.
No wonder so many people want to get a piece of this place. It seems like every single beautiful and pure part of the nature is invaded by what we call capitalism. There is a whole war between a company and the non-governmental organizations for this small but important village. To continue or not to continue exploiting the mines? This is what troubles the locals and not only. The story is long, each side has its arguments, each one thinks he is right. Gold versus nature, money versus humanism, this is what we are fighting with for thousands of years. Leaving this beside, this village is a must see in Romania. Visit it while you can.
 
If you want a piece of nature, you can have it, if you want freedom, you can have it. If you want history, you can have it too, if you want solitude, the mountains can give you shelter and the piece you crave for… Visit Rosia Montana and witness a piece of history!

Author: Irina Neacsu

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