Surrounded by mountains like a true amphitheatre, Ţara Haţegului always surprises the traveller with a diversity of landscapes that are revealed at every step. The hay meadows and pastures, adorned with a multitude of wild flowers and butterflies, are a joy to behold; while away to the south rise the majestic, snow-capped peaks of the Retezat massif. Here and there red-roofed villages appear, dominated by the old bell-towers of occasional medieval churches. Strategically placed between 3 historical areas (The Banat, Transylvania and Oltenia), Ţara Haţegului bears testimony to a rich historical background: caves with signs of human habitation since Palaeolithic times; ruins dating from the Dacio-Roman period (like Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa), small fortresses and medieval towers (the Colț and Răchitova Fortresses), old churches dating from ancient times (Densuș and Sântămaria Orlea), manor houses and small castles - residences of local noble families (the noble court of Sălaşul de Sus, and Kendeffy Castle).
The local people are friendly, talkative, and know how to charm you, telling you tales from the Abyss. Do not forget to try local delicaces like: "Sălaş" blood pudding; "virşli" (mutton sausages); "pup de crump" (potato pie with cold buttermilk); pumpkin jam; and stewed jellied mutton.
To ensure you leave this corner of the country totally spell-bound, you should know that a Geopark has been decalred here - mostly for its dwarf dinosaur fossils but also for other small natural treasures relating to the history of the Earth, which we invite you to discover for yourselves!
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