Poiana: Archaeology, local history and landscape

Poiana is characterized by the Piroboridava archaeological site, historical references to the village and commune, and its location along a hill ridge. The road layout and river system are also part of the town’s geographical setting. When planning your trip, its historical and landscape features are just as interesting as the local road and railway station information.

Hill Ridge and Settlement Pattern

The village of Poiana lies along the ridge of Poiana-Nicoreşti Hill. Its elongated settlement pattern follows the alignment of houses along the DC72 communal road. In the Pleşa area, this alignment coincides with the valley. The ridge, road, and valley therefore shape the description of the village’s location, without implying a uniform layout across the entire village. The first part of the village extends westward from the intersection of DC73 and the Valea Rea valley, along DC73. When navigating a map, both road names and named valleys are useful reference points.

Piroboridava and the History of Poiana

The archaeological site “Situl arheologic de la Poiana – Cetăţuia de la mal, Piroboridava” is located in Poiana. Piroboridava includes a fortified settlement from the Roman period, dated to the 1st to 2nd centuries AD. Its archaeological origins therefore reach far back in time; the historical references to the village and commune relate to other, considerably later periods.

One of the oldest documents about the village dates from July 4, 1522, during the reign of Prince Ştefăniţă Voievod. The commune of Poiana is also marked on Dimitrie Cantemir’s map from 1737. Taken together, these references span the Roman period, a 16th-century document, and an 18th-century map. They relate to different periods in the area’s history: the fortified settlement, a written record about the village, and the depiction of the commune on a map.

The Siret and Călimăneşti Reservoir

The area’s hydrographic network drains into the Siret River. West of Poiana, the Siret enters Galaţi County. The Călimăneşti Reservoir lies on the river within the commune of Poiana and is used for irrigation and electricity generation. The Siret is therefore relevant both to the regional water system and to the description of infrastructure in the commune.

A 2013 study on the spatial development of Galaţi County lists the forest in the commune of Buciumeni, the plateau with the ancient fortress of Piroboridava, and the reservoir on the Siret together as Type I monuments in the county’s list of historical monuments. The study also links these sites to recreational opportunities for residents and the development of tourism. This regional perspective considers the forest, plateau, and reservoir together.

Road and Rail Connections

The village is located at the intersection of DC73 and DC72. Via DC72, which joins DC73, and then DC69, Poiana is connected to the Siret-side villages of Piscu Corbului, Coasta Lupei, Mălureni, Ionăşeşti, and Cosmeşti; the village also has an exit to DN24. As road conditions can change, check the latest information before setting out.

The commune of Poiana has no direct rail connection. The nearest railway stations are Cosmeşti on the Mărăşeşti–Galaţi line and Berheci on the Tecuci–Bârlad line; each is about 20 kilometers away. The distance refers to the commune. Check station availability and current train services before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Slobozia Oancea, Galaţi, Odaia Manolache, Tulucești, Șendreni, Ivești

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