Botoșani is one of Romania's 41 counties, located in the northernmost part of the country, covering an area of approximately 4,986 square kilometers. It lies surrounded by Iași to the south and Suceava to the west while also contributing to Romania's state borders with Ukraine to the north and Moldova to the east.[4] The county's capital city name is also Botoșani. The city is found in the central-western part of the county, serving as one of the predominant attractions of the area, as it features a considerable number of historical and cultural sights.[1] Botoșani County's landscape is of hilly character, belonging to Moldova Plateau.[4] Fishing is one of the outdoor activities that people can enjoy when visiting the region, as Botoșani ranks second in Romania in terms of freshwater surface area. Other outdoor activities include walking, hiking, biking, and horseback riding.[8] One such outdoor destination in the county is the Tisa Reserve, located in the southwestern corner of Botoșani. The area protects Tisa tree species, Taxus baccata tree, and yew trees.[5] Concerning local history, Botoșani's origins can be traced back to the 14th century, when the regions of Dorohoi and Hârlău existed on today's county territory. Botoșani County, as we know it today, was established in 1968.[2]
Botoșani, the county's capital, boasts several cultural and historical sites. These include the Ciomac Cantemir House—hosting the Ștefan Luchian Foundation—and the Nicolae Iorga Memorial House, reflecting the life of historian Nicolae Iorga. The Octav Onicescu Memorial Museum is also found in the city, showcasing the works of mathematician and philosopher Octav Onicescu. The local County Museum features ethnographic, historical, and archaeological sections attracting a number of tourists, while the Ștefan Luchian Art Galleries exhibit Botoșani's artistic heritage. Furthermore, the Old Centre, characterized by 17th- and 18th-century commercial buildings, stands as the city's oldest architectural zone.[1]
One of the predominant destinations in Botoșani is Casa Silion, the Silion House. The house was built at the beginning of the 20th century by the former manager of Botoșani, Stefan Silion. Apart from the house's architecture, the area also features an artesian fountain, statues, a park, and facades, attracting a number of tourists.[7] Another destination is Botoșani's ceramics workshop, which specializes in crafting traditional Kuty and Cucuteni ceramics, including trays, plates, jugs, cups, vases, tiles, and decorative items. Sonia Iacinschi, a craftswoman with over 30 years of experience, creates both practical and artistic pieces in a traditional way. The tradition of Kuty pottery in Botoșani dates back before 1970, originating from a workshop in the Barbu Lăzăreanu neighborhood.[2]
Apart from sightseeing and exploring Botoșani's historical and cultural heritage, the county also offers several natural spots, including Stânca-Costești Nature Reserve and Vorona Protected Area. Activities such as walking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and winetasting, are available for people seeking outdoor recreation. Botoșani ranks second in Romania in terms of freshwater surface area, which reportedly attracts fishermen to the region. Cycling enthusiasts can explore the environment on a bike, as the site features moderately challenging routes for beginners as well as biking trails for mountain bikers.[8]
Characterized by a hilly landscape with a developed water network, Botoșani County is situated in the Moldova Plateau. Covering 2.8% of its territory, lakes and rivers such as Prut, Siret, Jijia, and Baseu are a considerable part of the county's nature. Notably, the Stânca accumulation lake on the Prut River aids flood control, irrigation, and water supply. The geological composition is influenced by relatively abundant water areas, leading to deposits of clay, bentonite, tuff, and limestone found in the area. Additionally, peat deposits are situated in Dersca. The county is known for its parks and woods, despite only 11.5% of the territory being forested. In comparison, agricultural lands represent 78.8% of the county, allegedly establishing Botoșani as one of the predominant agricultural regions in Romania.[4]
The Tisa Reserve, situated in Tudora commune within Botoșani county, Moldova, Romania, stands as a sanctuary for the Tisa tree species, which is fairly abundant in the area. The reserve offers an environment with a variety of terrains, including rocky paths and waterfalls. Nestled in the Dealul Mare-Tudora region at an altitude of over 550 meters, the part also features relatively rare yew trees known for their resilient wood. The preservation area also focuses on conserving the Taxus baccata tree, allegedly recognized as a national natural monument. The reserve, situated within the Bahluiului Canyon, carved through limestone and biogenic sandstones by vertical erosion, supports a diverse flora and fauna, including deer, wild boars, and bird species, which contribute to its ecological significance.[5]
Concerning Botoșani's climate, the area experiences "cold winters and hot, draughty summers."[4] The warmest month in Botoșani is typically July, with an average daily temperature of 29°C. Reportedly, January is the coldest month, as temperatures average a high of 1°C. February tends to be the driest month in Botoșani because it generally receives 25 millimeters of rainfall on average. The most precipitation falls during June, with an average of about 78 millimeters.[6]
The origins of Botoșani trace back to 1439 when it was first mentioned in the accounts of Mongol raids. The town gained prominence during the Moldavia-Poland conflicts, with battles in the 1500s. Petru Rareș's reign saw Poles set the city ablaze, revealing a hill fort. In the 15th century, Botoșani was a pre-urban settlement home to Transylvanian settlers and Armenian traders. Positioned at the convergence of trade routes, including the "Moldavian Road," the town was initially a market hub, hosting Moldavia's allegedly oldest and largest fair by 1579. Amid World War II, Soviet forces from the 2nd Ukrainian Front seized control of Botoșani on April 7th, 1944, as part of the Uman–Botoșani Offensive.[1]
During the 14th to 18th centuries, Dorohoi and Hârlău lands were present in the current county. Hârlău's existence was confirmed in a 1398 - 1399 document mentioning "Bârlea de la Hârlău." Dorohoi Land emerged in 1407, renewing allegiance to Vladislav Iagello.
Botoșani Land's came from the decline of the Hârlău fair, incorporating former Hârlău land due to Moldova's territorial losses in 1775 and 1812. Administrative reforms introduced counties in 1834, forming Botoșani and Dorohoi. Dorohoi joined Suceava in 1938, and Botoșani merged with Prut.[2] Between the time frame of the two world wars and the present day, the county covered a distinct area. Situated in northeastern Romania, it encompassed the southern part of the present county and northern Iași County—bounded by Suceava and Baia to the west, Dorohoi to the north, Bălți to the east, and Iași to the south.[3]
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