Initially, corruption in post-communist Romania led to Rosia Montana’s inclusion on the list of sites threatened by the destruction of its man-made and natural heritage. Subsequently, a politicians-corporation alliance decided to demolish a one-of-a-kind architectural and natural setting, replacing it with a barren one. Furthermore, they planned to create Europe’s largest cyanide lake in its place.

Consequently, citizens commenced the most significant demonstrations in Romanian contemporary history and these continued for multiple years. Ultimately, 20 years of domestic resistance and 9 years of global legal proceedings successfully halted the new mining venture. Therefore, Rosia Montana achieved its inclusion on the UNESCO heritage list in 2021.

As a result, today, you can explore this historically rich site on a fascinating day tour from Cluj, a true testament to the perseverance that secured Rosia Montana’s enduring legacy.

Rosia Montana: mining history & UNESCO site

Leave Cluj at 8 o’clock in the morning for a fantastic day tour. Take the scenic Transapuseana road to reach Rosia Montana. Multiple points along the route will showcase a panoramic view of the landscape and historic wooden buildings.

Despite mining’s start in Rosia Montana more than 2000 years ago, the powerful Romans brought its international recognition. Miners from the Adriatic Sea settled in the mountains to search for valuable metals deep within the earth. Hungarian and Austrian miners replaced them during the Middle Ages and subsequently in Modern times, as the Romans left Dacia.

Exploring the Mining Museum allows you to follow in the Romans’ footsteps and discover their mining techniques, such as the use of fire, water and vinegar.

Corruption in post-communist Romania led to Rosia Montana’s placement on the list for the destruction of built and natural heritage. A politicians-corporation alliance approved the destruction of a one-of-a-kind architectural and natural setting, substituting it with a barren one, as they planned to construct Europe’s largest cyanide lake in its spot.

The largest civil society demonstrations in modern Romanian history began and continued for several years. Two decades of domestic resistance, along with nearly a decade of global litigation, successfully halted the proposed mining venture. In 2021, Rosia Montana finally achieved recognition as a UNESCO heritage site.

Explore the village and appreciate the historical structures that may soon undergo restoration. Hike the golden mountain for a glimpse of the breath-taking scenery and preserved natural resources of a historic mining cultural area.

Difficulty: moderate -> high

Trail lenght: 8 km

Level difference: +354m / -346 m

Min. altitude: 847 m

Max. altitude: 1112 m

Transfer back to Cluj in the afternoon.

(no meals included)