Caras-Severin is one of Romania's 41 counties, located in the southwestern part of the country. The county covers 8,520 square kilometers, composing approximately 3.6% of Romania's total area and ranking third most extensive by surface. Caras-Severin is bordered by Timis County to the north and Hunedoara, Gorj, and Mehedinti counties to the east. The county also contributes to Romania's state borders with Serbia in the southwest.[1] The capital city, Resita, is located in the northwestern part of the county, with a history dating back to the 16th century.[7] However, traces of human settlements within Caras-Severin County can be traced back to prehistoric times of the Mesolithic era. Later, the county's territory came under Roman rule.[1] Regarding geographical conditions, several natural parks and other protected areas constitute the Caras-Severin's territory. One such protected area is Domogled-Valea Cernei National Park, which is shared with two other counties. Located wholly within Caras-Severin County's area are Cheile Nerei - Beușnița National Park and Domogled-Valea Cernei National Park. In general, approximately 67% of the county comprises mountainous terrain, with one of the most notable being the Southern Carpathians range which features Banat, Țarcu-Godeanu, and Cernei Mountains. The elevations of these mountains range from 600 to 2,100 meters. Transitioning between mountains and the Banat Plain, the county's western side is characterized by hilly landscapes.[12]
The capital city of Caras-Severin County is Resita, found in the northwestern part of the territory. In historical records, the area has been documented since the 15th century under the names Rechyoka and Rechycha. However, archaeological investigations have unearthed evidence of human settlement dating back to the Neolithic and the Dacian and Roman eras within the region. Thus, the city features several historical and cultural landmarks. One such is the History Museum of the Banatul Montan, established in 1959. Also present is the Steam Locomotive Museum, showcasing 14 locomotives produced in Resita between 1872 and 1959. Other cultural sites include the "Professor Ion Crișan" Zoo, GA Petculescu Theatre, and Cultural Palace, which now houses the Western Theatre, the Reșita Municipal Library, the Romanian Casino, the Evangelical Church, the Synagogue, and Reșița Montană Romanian Orthodox Cathedral.[7]
Within Caras-Severin County can be found several natural parks and other protected areas. One of them is Domogled-Valea Cernei National Park, stretching across the county borders to Mehedinți and Gorj counties.[5] In the central part of the Caras-Severin is Semenic-Cheile Carasului National Park, spanning the northern and eastern areas of the Anina Mountains and the east part of the Semenic Mountains.[8] Apart from offering touristic, thematic, and cycling routes, the Izvoarele Nerei Nature Reserve, lying within the nature park, is inscribed and protected by UNESCO as it is reportedly one of Europe's most extensive virgin forests. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017 as a component of the "Primary forests from the Carpathians and other regions of Europe," highlighting its importance as a representative of Europe's natural heritage.[9]
Another nature destination within the Caras-Severin County is the Cheile Nerei - Beușnița National Park, mainly featuring Banatul Montan's lands. Covering 36,758 hectares, the park intends to focus on ecosystem preservation and recreation. The Nera River running through the area has carved the longest gorges in Romania through Jurassic limestone, offering a home to several endangered species such as Amphimelania Holandri and Cobitis Elongata.[10] The primary tourist route through Cheile Nera traces the river's course within fairly steep terrain, reportedly featuring minimal elevation changes. Certain sections of the trail involve terraced paths secured with cables, demanding added caution. Crossing the Nera River via Ford is part of the journey but isn't feasible during high-water phases. While it is possible to complete the route in a day, it is recommended to segment the hikes and stay overnight at Damian Canton. Tent camping is an option for visitors who hope to experience an overnight stay.[11]
Caras-Severin County encompasses three landscape zones, but the predominant feature is its mountainous terrain, which covers approximately 65% of the region. This mountain range consists of the Banatului Mountains, Țarcu Mountains, Godeanu Mountains, and Cernei Mountains. The elevation of the mountainous region rises progressively from west to east, reaching its zenith in the Godean Mountains, where peaks are between 1,600 and 2,200 meters in height. To the south, the Poiana Ruscă Mountains, as well as the Semenic, Almaju, Locvea, Anina, and Dognecei ranges, range between 600 and 1,400 meters. Valleys, such as Bistra and Timiș-Cerna, demarcate the separate mountain chains. To the west, the landscape transitions to the Oravița, Doclin, and Sacoș-Zagujeni Hills, along with a section of the Banat Plain. Elevations vary from a low of around 76 meters in the Drencova area to a height of 2,291 meters atop Gugu Peak in the Godeanu Mountains.[4]
Founded in 1990 and self-administered since 2003, the Domogled-Valea Cernei National Park lies in southwest Romania, spanning three counties: Caraș-Severin, Mehedinți, and Gorj. Geographically, the park covers the basin of the Cerna River, from its origin to its convergence with the Belareca River, encompassing the Godeanu and Cernei Mountains on the right side and the Vâlcanului and Mehedinți Mountains on the left. The Domogled-Valea Cernei National Park features an array of landscapes, including calcareous cliffs covered by Banat Black Pine, meandering canyons with streams, limestone summits cloaked in sub-Mediterranean vegetation, beech forests, alpine enclaves with juniper groves, mountainous reservoirs, calcareous gorges and cliffs, and subalpine meadows. Moreover, thermal caves and mineral springs, along with diverse plant and animal species, provide different types of experiences for nature enthusiasts.[5]
Situated in fairly close proximity to the Adriatic Sea and shielded by the Carpathian Mountains, Caras-Severin County experiences a temperate-continental climate. The climate type is affected by Atlantic and Mediterranean air masses, resulting in a reportedly moderately paced thermal pattern.[1] In terms of weather conditions, the warmest month in Resita is typically August, with an average daily temperature of 23°C. Reportedly, January is the coldest month, as temperatures average a high of 1°C. January tends to also be the driest month in Resita because it generally receives 49 millimeters of rainfall on average. The most precipitation falls during June, with an average of about 131 millimeters.[6]
Throughout history, the natural conditions of Caras-Severin County led to the habitation of human communities. For instance, the Haiducilor Cave bears evidence of ancient inhabitants dating back to the Mesolithic era, while Gornea and Liubcova have Neolithic settlements. Traces of human presence from the Bronze Age have also been discovered in the Bârzava Valley, while Ocna de Fier, Oravita, and Bocsa have yielded artifacts and remnants from the Iron Age.[1] Later, a Battle of Tapae occurred between the Dacians and Romans, transpiring at the Iron Gate of Transylvania Pass. Situated at an elevation of 700 meters, the Iron Gate of Transylvania Pass is approximately 39 kilometers to the east of Caransebeș. Today, a modern highway traces the route of an ancient Roman road constructed alongside the Timiș River, extending south from Caransebeș. The Romans also established camps in towns such as Plugova, Mechadia, Teregova, and Băile Herculane.[2]
During the period spanning the 9th and 10th centuries, considerable progress led to the establishment of feudal systems and political frameworks, as indicated by historical records in Caras Severin County. The "Chronicle of Anonymus" highlights the existence of the Principality of Glad the Knez, centered in the region that is now within the county's borders. The earliest documented reference to the Caras region dates back to the year 1200. In the 17th century, the Banat region, which encompassed Western Romania and parts of Hungary and Yugoslavia, witnessed colonization efforts by the Germans and Austrians.[1]
In 1718, the county became part of the Habsburg monarchy within the Banat province. Under Austrian rule in 1771, the county seat, Reschitz, transformed into an industrial hub fueled by its mining sector. In 1855, the entire Banat region, with considerable mineral and timber resources, was transferred to the Austrian-French mining and railroad company StEG. Notably, StEG constructed Romania's earliest railway, the Oravița-Baziaș line. During World War II, a partisan group led by Ștefan Plavăț operated in the county's mountainous terrain. Post-war, the communist regime's nationalization of the mining sector caused significant societal disruption.[3]
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