Petrila: Mining History, Village Culture and Gorges

When planning a trip to Petrila, you can choose from a wide range of focuses: mining history and village culture sit alongside gorges, climbing routes and trails in the southern administrative area. This lets you plan your trip around the topics that interest you most, without reducing history and nature to a single excursion theme.

Mining History and Cultural Heritage

Mina Petrila opened in 1859 and is considered the oldest mine in the Jiului Valley. Exploatarea Minieră Petrila is classified as a Category A historic monument complex. The former Mina now hosts art exhibitions, concerts, theater performances and community events. The program may vary, so check the specific event dates before your trip.

The Casa Memorială „Ion D. Sîrbu“ also tells the story of Petrila’s mining history. It is the last surviving house in the Ferdinand colony and gives an impression of how the mining community lived. The house commemorates Ion D. Sîrbu, the Romanian writer, essayist, playwright and philosopher. His family settled in the Ferdinand mining colony around 1860.

Village Life and Traditional Customs

The Muzeul Satului Momârlănesc in Jieț recreates a traditional Momârlan village. Simple wooden houses illustrate the community’s activities and way of life. The museum includes more than 20 traditional houses and a wooden church with architecture typical of the region. The Muzeul Satului Tradițional de la Jieț-Petrila divides its displays into three areas: a village settlement with a church, school and traditional farmsteads; an area with shelters and hay meadows; and an alpine area with a mountain pasture, hut and sheepfold.

Local traditions include the Nedeile, shepherds’ gatherings held on certain holidays, especially Easter and Pentecost. In addition to shepherds, residents of the surrounding villages take part. Pitaraii has a different seasonal connection: in this old winter custom, young men preparing for marriage parade through the village with decorated flags. In the fir tree custom, the fir is considered a sacred tree and a symbol of life and death; it is used in community ceremonies, including funerals and weddings.

The settlements of Tirici, Cimpa, Jieț and Răscoala, which belong to Petrila, also have a rural character: livestock farming and the processing of milk and meat are traditional, prevalent activities there. These customs and activities offer a different perspective on the region from the history of the mine and its colony.

Gorges, Lakes and Trails

Cheile Tăii lies in the Tăii Valley and is a Category IV protected area. The limestone formation Piatra Lesului offers opportunities for climbing. Several climbing routes in Cheile Tăii are also listed with details of their pitch lengths and grades: Hornul has two pitches and a grade of 4A, while Grota has two pitches and a grade of 3B. Piatra Rosie, Minerul and Zetu each have four pitches and a grade of 5B. The routes can therefore be compared directly using the listed lengths and grades.

Several glacial lakes can be reached in Petrila’s southern administrative area via the Jieț Valley and through the Cheile Jiețului nature reserve. The protected area is also Category IV. Rafting is available on the Jieț River in the Cheile Jiețului area. Cascada Muncelul is also located in Cheile Jiețului, close to Petrila; its drop is about 30 meters.

A marked trail leads from the Cabana de vânătoare Auselul hunting lodge at an elevation of 1,024 meters toward Vârful Brateș, below Vârful lui Patru. Along with the glacial lakes and gorges, this trail offers another focus for planning a trip centered on the landscape. The trails, natural areas and cultural sites described here offer different themes to help you plan your stay in Petrila.

Discover more destinations: Râu Bărbat, Gurasada, Deva, Hărău, Orăştie, Roșcani, Hățăgel, Lupeni

For the main travel overview: Deva.