Calarasi, located in the southernmost part of Romania, is one of the country's 41 integral self-governing units. The county covers an area of 5,088 square kilometers, which accounts for 2.1% of the national territory. To the north, the county is surrounded by Ialomita County, while Constanta County can be found to the southeast, and Giurgiu and Ilfov counties to the west. To the south, Calarasi County contributes to the state borders with Bulgaria.[1] The capital city of the county, also called Calarasi, lies adjacent to Lake Călăraşi and the Borcea arm of the Danube, approximately 100 kilometers east-southeast of Bucharest. Its historical origins trace back to 1593 to the rule of Michael the Brave. Functioning as a river port and trade hub, the city's economic activities encompass food processing, mainly fish, flour milling, and paper production utilizing reeds from local wetlands. One of the attractions of the Calarasi city is the archaeological museum, while the nearby Discheni is an ancient Roman settlement.[8] Additionally, people tend to visit Calarasi County for fishing and hunting opportunities due to its proximity to the Danube River, with various islets and hunting reserves.[2] Presumably, the best time to visit Calarasi is during summer, as summers tend to be warm in the area.[1]
Calarasi County is home to several businesses and industries. For instance, Calarasi, the county's capital, is known for its paper industry, Oltenița manufactures machinery, and food processing takes place in factories located in Fetești and Valea-Roșie. The region is also engaged in agricultural pursuits such as livestock farming and cereal cultivation. Vineyards line the Danube and Borcea rivers to the east. Furthermore, the area is crossed by highways and railways linking Bucharest and Constanța, with additional routes passing through Calarasi city.[6]
Calarasi County's proximity to the Danube River is one of the reasons tourists tend to visit the area. The presence of various islets and the branching of the Danube through distinctive arms create an environment for hunting and sport fishing. The islands, deltaic flora and fauna, fish-populated lakes, and 40 hunting reserves in deciduous forests present a potential for outdoor pastimes and leisure tourism. Furthermore, the local Danube's enclosures, natural channels, and forested areas can be incorporated into tourist routes, allowing visitors to experience a landscape reminiscent of the Danube Delta.[2]
Reportedly, most of the visitors coming to Calarasi County are Italians, who tend to travel there for fishing and hunting due to the considerable hunting resources and the fishing spots along the Old Danube and Borcea arms. In the city of Calarasi, a Zoo can be visited, which was established in 1980, initially housing various species brought by Gheorghe Tatavura. The Zoo expanded rapidly to become one of Romania's largest zoos in terms of area and species diversity. However, a flood caused by an unfinished dam in 1985 led to significant losses. Over the years, the Calarasi Zoo has been involved in reproducing jaguars, Siberian tigers, and Emu ostriches; presently, it is known for its pair of Alaskan (grizzly) bears, Rom and Anita.
Another sight in Calarasi City is the Lower Danube Museum, established in 1951, which focuses on archeology. The museum has moved locations several times and currently houses a collection of archaeological artifacts while also conducting historical research.
Other attractions in the city include the Statue of King Charles I, beaches such as "Samskara Beach," the Municipal Park with a statue of Burebista, and the Byzantine fortress ruins of Vicina. An archaeological site near Calarasi is also a considerable point of interest among a number of tourists.[7]
Calarasi County is situated in southeastern Romania, along the course of the Danube River and the Borcea Branch. The landscape is characterized by plains divided into four main units: Baragan Plain, Mostistea Plain, Vlasia Plain, and Burnaz Plain, complemented by the Danube meadow. The Danube River dominates the hydrographic network, serving as the natural southern and southeastern border for around 150 kilometers. Additionally, the county is traversed by the Arges River, which flows for 46 kilometers before joining the Danube near Oltenita. The local river network is also complemented by several artificial lakes for irrigation and fishing, including Iezeru-Mostistea, Frasinet, Gurbanesti, and Fundulea, supplementing the natural meadow lakes.[1]
One of the natural areas near the capital city, Calarasi, is the Calarasi Lake, which covers approximately 5,001 hectares and is designated as a Natura 2000 Special Protection Area. Originally part of Ezer Lake, a small section of Calarasi Lake remains due to Danube embankments, featuring a mix of natural and human-made ecosystems. Reportedly, up to 271 waterbird species have been recorded living in the area, together with various fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. Some of the species coming to the local area for winter include White-fronted Geese and Red-breasted Geese. Potential threats are uncontrolled tourism and over-fishing, with conservation measures planned to protect the area.[4]
The climate in Calarasi County is temperate-continental, characterized by dry summers and cold winters. However, the southern part often experiences a distinct climate due to the Danube Meadow, with milder winters and warmer summers.[1] The warmest month in Calarasi tends to be August, with an average daily temperature of 29°C. January is most commonly the coldest month, as temperatures average a high of 4°C. February tends to be the driest month in Calarasi because it generally receives 28 millimeters of rainfall on average. The most precipitation falls during June, with an average of about 57 millimeters.[5]
At various historical periods, the region of Calarasi County served as a focal point for the emergence and growth of civilizations along the Lower Danube.
The area holds connections to several Neolithic cultures, such as Boian and Gumelnita. Furthermore, Dacians and Romans inhabited the local territory as well.
Early stages of feudalism and pre-feudal times were allegedly influenced by both Roman and Byzantine cultures, evident in the Byzantine fortresses constructed along the Danube's border.[1]
The first historical records of the Calarasi region date back to March 23, 1482, when ruler Basarab the Younger granted ownership of the Spanţov monastery and the village with the same name. Another considerable document from June 1, 1541, shows that ruler Radu Paisie relinquished ownership of the Borcea setar over the Crăceani village, which is now the Măgureni neighborhood of Calarasi. The establishment of Lichireştiul in the area that would become the civic center of Calaras is documented in 1630 during the reign of ruler Leon Tomşa Vodă. By 1699, it had evolved into a border captaincy of Romania, signified by the establishment of a flag of Calarasi.[2]
Regarding the history of the capital city, Calarasi, it initially emerged under the name Lichirești, which was a medieval village dating back to the era of Michael the Brave. Călărași was first documented in 1700 on a map by Constantin Cantacuzino and received its name during the 17th century when Wallachian princes established it as a stop for the "mounted couriers' service" connecting Bucharest and Constantinople. The service was managed by horseback riders known as "călărași," hence the name of the city. Over time, Calarasi developed into a town, eventually becoming the capital of its surrounding county in 1834.[3]
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