Gold mining area known for over 2000 years, Rosia Montana met it’s first moment of glory during the Roman times. As Dacia became part of the Roman Empire, this area was populated with colonists from the Adriatic Sea and got to be called Alburnus Maior. In 271 AD, the Roman Empire shrinked towards the South, but mining in Rosia Montana continued all along the Middle Ages and even Modern times. The mine galleries carved by the Romans would now put Rosia Montana on top of the list with the oldest mines in Europe. Visit the Mining Museum and walk on the footsteps of the Romans. Great chance to learn about the evolution of mining and uncover the reasoning behind strange mining technics, like using fire, water and vinegar :)

The corruption that came with the fall of the communist regime, put Rosia Montana on the built & natural heritage annihilation list. The biggest cyanide lake in Europe was supposed to be built here instead. Like so many other places in the present world, Rosia Montana was doomed by a policitians-corporation alliance. This lead to the biggest chain of civil society protests in Romanian modern history. After 20 years since the evil plan appeared and after 9 years of international trial, the new mining project was stopped. Rosia Montana was finally included in the UNESCO heritage list in 2021. Take a walk in the village to admire the historical buildings that now have a chance to be restaured. Take a hike to admire an ancient mining cultural landscape, with scenic beauty and nature reserves. Become part of the many that share the joy. Walking duration: 2h30min Length: 8 km Elevation: min. elevation 847 m, max. elevation 1112 m

Return to Cluj in the evening, along the Aries Valley.