Fast Facts
Name: Târgu Jiu (pronounced: tɨr ɡoo jhioo)
Location: Southwestern Romania
Nearest airport: Craiova
Area: 7.2 sq. miles (19 sq. km)
Elevation: 759 ft. (230 meters)
Population: 78,000
First documented: 1406
Iconic Landmark: The Endless Column - C. Brancusi
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Targu Sights and Landmarks
A former Roman settlement, town of Târgu Jiu lies at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains,
on the banks of the river Jiu.
Inhabited since Paleolithic times, Oltenia region was of strategic importance to the Romans.
The area provided direct access, through one of the most spectacular passes in the Carpathians,
to present-day Transylvania, the heart of the former Dacian Kingdom.
Constantin Brancusi, one of the most influential modern sculptors of the 20th century,
was born in a small village (Hobita) 15 miles west of Târgu Jiu, .
Although he lived and worked for most of his life in Paris, his legacy is also preserved in Romania,
in Târgu Jiu.
The Jiu River valley was the scene of heavy fighting during World War I and World War II.
Here, in a monumental ensemble, Brancusi created three sculptures as a memorial to the 8,500 Romanian soldiers
who died defending the Jiu Valley from the advancing German army.
The three sculptures, the Table of Silence (Masa Tacerii), the Gate of the Kiss (Poarta Sarutului)
and the Endless Column (Coloana Infinitului), are placed on mile-long east-west axis that runs through the heart of the city.
The Memorial Way or the Way of the Heroes ("Calea Eroilor") -
a 0.8 miles-long open-air sculptural ensemble that reunites four large-scale abstract sculptures:
The Alley of Chairs (Aleea Scaunelor), The Table of Silence (Masa Tacerii),
The Gate of the Kiss (Poarta Sarutului) and the Endless Column (Coloana Infinitului).
Created in 1937 by local artist Constantin Brâncuși – recognized worldwide as the Father of Abstract Sculpture -
the Sculptural Ensemble is a homage to the Romanian heroes of the First World War.
Table of Silence, made from limestone, features twelve chairs, originally placed much closer to the table and arranged in pairs.
Gate of the Kiss, made out of marble, features a kiss motif on the gate pillars.
The entire structure is supported on a steel axle.
The Endless Column, completed in 1938, stacks 17 rhomboidal cast iron modules in a 100-feet high column.
Târgu Jiu is the capital of Gorj County, a region of rolling meadows, grassy hills and mountain scenery with plenty of natural and cultural attractions to explore. Tiny towns and villages dot the county, and contain some marvelous traditional architecture. Several spa towns and monasteries high in the mountains make for popular excursions.
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Museums
Târgu Jiu Art Museum
Muzeul de Artă Târgu Jiu
Address: Str. Stadion
Telephone: (+4) 0253 214.156
Open: Tue. – Sun. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission charge
Artworks Romanian modern artists and photographs of Brancusi's life are among the items exhibited.
Museum of Gorj County
Muzeul Judetean de Istorie Alexandru Stefulescu
Address: Str. Geneva 8
Telephone: (+4) 0253 212.044
Open: Tue. – Sun. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission charge
Set up in 1894, it is considered to be the first county museum in Romania.
On display are colorful examples folk art characteristic to the region of Oltenia - southern Romania.
Ecaterina Teodoroiu Memorial House
Casa memoriala Ecaterina Teodoroiu
(Ecaterina Teodoroiu is the first woman officer of the Romanian Army)
Address: Blvd. Ecaterina Teodoriu 270
Teodoroiu family house (built in 1884) is dedicated to the memory of the young Ecaterina Teodoroiu,
the Romanian World War I heroine.
Born in 1894, Ecaterina Teodoroiu graduated from Bucharest Girls' School
and - at the time when Romania entered World War I - she was to become a teacher.
Ecaterina joined the Romanian Army, in October 1916.
After the death of her brother Nicolae (Sergeant in the Romanian Army) she decided to become a front-line soldier.
Although she was sent to the front reluctantly, she soon proved her worthiness as a soldier.
Taken prisoner, Ecaterina managed to escape by killing two German soldiers.
In November, she was wounded and hospitalized,
but came back to the front where she was advanced in rank to Second Lieutenant
and given the command of a 25-man platoon.
On September 3, 1917, she was killed in the Battle of Marasesti (eastern Romania).
According to some accounts, her last words before dying were: "Don't give up lads, keep advancing, I'm still with you!"
Topi New Glass Design Studio
Studioul de Design in Sticla - Mihai Topescu
Address: Str. Unirii 92 C
Telephone: (+4) 0253 219.179
Mihai Topescu,
a gifted glass artist, listed in the Who's Who in Contemporary Glass Art guide,
welcomes visitors to his workshop to watch him and his team create artistic and decorative glassware.
Attractions not far from Târgu Jiu
Gorj County Folk Art Museum - Curtisoara
Muzeul Arhitecturii Populare din Gorj
Location: Curtisoara - 6 miles north of Târgu Jiu
Access: car
Open: Tue. – Sun. 8 a.m – 5 p.m.
Admission charge
Curtisoara is home to an interesting open-air museum, featuring a collection of barns, wine stores, mills and peasant houses
as well as an 18th Century cula - a traditional manor house with a one-story design popular in this area,
and a church dating from 1820.
Cartianu Manor
Cula Cartianu or Casa Cartienilor
Location: Cartiu, Turcinesti - 8 miles north of Târgu Jiu
Access: car
Open: Mon. – Sun. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission charge
Built in 1760 the Cartianu Manor (Cula Cartianu) is a fine example of traditional southern Romania architecture
that combines stone and brick masonry with large wood beams.
The manor is also home to a unique exhibit of traditional costumes, textiles and accessories.
Sculptor Constantin Brancusi Memorial House
Casa Memoriala Constantin Brancusi
Location: Hobita 16 miles north of Târgu Jiu
Access: car,
Open: Mon. – Sun. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission charge
The house in which world-known sculptor Constantin Brancusi was born, in 1876, and spent his childhood now welcomes visitors.
It preserves the original architecture, furniture and other household items.
Influences of the aesthetics of peasant life in south-western Romania (Oltenia) can be identified in some of artist's works.
Monastery Tismana
Manastirea Tismana
Location: 22 miles west of Târgu Jiu
Access: car
Open: Mon. – Sun., 8 a.m. -- 6 p.m.
Admission charge
Dating from 1375, Tismana is one of the oldest monasteries in Romania.
The monks that live in the monastery are continuing the, century-old,
carpet weaving (Covoare Oltenesti) and glass icon painting traditions.
Sohodolului Gorges
Cheile Sohodolului
Location: 14 miles north of Târgu Jiu
Access: car
Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the area's gorges, caves, springs and spectacular columns carved in the steep walls of the mountain.
Day Trips
Hurezi Monastery & Horezu Pottery Centre
Manastirea Hurezi
Where: 45 miles east of Târgu Jiu
Access: car, bus
Telephone: (+4) 0250 860.071
Located on the road that connects the towns of Târgu Jiu and Curtea de Arges,
Horezu Monastery is the largest monastic settlement in Walachia and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Founded in 1690 by Prince Constantin Brancoveanu, monastery Horezu is renowned for the richness of its sculptural detail
the treatment of its religious compositions and its painted decorative works.
A masterpiece of the "Brancovenesc" architectural style,
the monastery houses precious collections of frescoes and icons dating from the end of the 17th century
and the beginning of the 18th century.
The nearby village of Horezu is home to one of the best-knownt pottery centres in Romania.
Nearly a century ago, local nuns taught the villagers how to make and paint pottery, and ever since,
people have come from far and wide to get their hands on Horezu's ceramic.
(Limited) Overnight accommodationa are available at Hurezi Monastery.
Town of Curtea de Arges
Location: 90 miles east of Târgu Jiu
Access: car
In Curtea de Arges, visit the 14th-century Princely Court and the Princely Church,
with its unique - early 1300s - interior frescoes.
Curtea de Arges was founded in the early 14th century by Prince Radu Negru.
The town succeeded Campulung as the capital of Walachia, hence its name Curtea (The Court).
Another stunning architectural gem in Curtea de Arges is, the 16th century, Curtea de Arges Monastery (Manastirea Curtea de Arges),
toppled with two towers spiraling in opposite directions. Behold the sad legend of Manole as you take in its beauty.
Romania's kings and queens are buried in the monastery.
Corvinilor Castle
Castelul Corvinilor
Location: 85 miles northwest of Târgu Jiu
Access: car
Corvin Castle info
Domogled - Cerna National Park
Parcul National Domoghed -- Valea Cernei
Location: 45 miles west of Târgu Jiu
Access: car, train
Domogled - Cerna National Park more info
Retezat Mountains National Park
Parcul National Retezat
Location: 58 miles northwest of Târgu Jiu
Access: car, train
Retezat National Park more info
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Târgu Jiu Trip Planning Info
Transportation
Târgu Jiu Air travelNearest airports to Târgu Jiu:
Craiova (CRA) - 70 miles south
Sibiu (SBZ) - 125 miles north east
and
Bucharest Otopeni - Henri Coanda (OTP) - 160 miles south east
Târgu Jiu Train Station
Gara Târgu Jiu
Address: Blvd .Nicolae Titulescu
Telephone: (+4) 0253 812.967
There are daily trains connecting Târgu Jiu with:
Bucharest (journey time: 4 hours : 45 min.)
Arad (journey time: 4 hours : 40 min.)
Cluj Napoca (journey time: 6 hours)
Craiova (journey time: 2 hours : 30 min.)
Deva (journey time: 3 hours : 15 min.)
Subcetate (journey time: 2 : 30 min.)
To check schedules for domestic routes please visit RomaniaTourism
Domestic Transportationsection.
Notes:
For Târgu Jiu please enter Tirgu Jiu.
For departures from/to Bucharest please enter Bucuresti Nord.
For a list of international trains with service to/from Romania please visit: International Transportation section
Târgu Jiu inter-city BusTârgu Jiu Bus Station
Autogara Express - Târgu Jiu
Address: Str. Nicolae Titulescu 5
Telephone: (+4) 0754 096.294
Autogara Est
Address: Calea București 9 A
Telephone: (+4) 0755 107.554
Daily domestic bus service from/to:
Alba Iulia, Arad, Baile Herculane, Bucharest, Cluj Napoca, Deva, Hateg, Horezu, Orastie, Sibiu, Timisoara, Turda
The recommended route from Bucharest to Târgu Jiu is:
Bucharest – Pitesti – Horezu – Târgu Jiu
(A1 / E 81 – DN 73 C - DN 67)
Distance from Târgu Jiu to:
Bucharest — 160 miles km miles
Arad — 172 miles miles
Baia Mare — 254 miles miles
Brasov — 160 miles miles
Constanta — 289 miles miles
Iasi — 336 miles miles
Oradea — 181 miles miles
Satu Mare — 257 miles miles
Sibiu — 126 miles miles
Sighetu Marmatiei — 281 miles miles
Sighisoara — 178 miles miles
Suceava — 345 miles miles
Timisoara — 163 miles miles
Tulcea — 320 miles
...Targu Jiu Car Rental
Great Targu Jiu car rental rates.
Automotive
Telephone: (+4) 0728 164.146
Sky Rent A Car
Telephone: (+4) 0766 821 321
Autodenu
Telephone: (+4) 0767 056 333
Nine bus routes connect Târgu Jiu neighborhoods and tourist attractions.
Info on routes and fares are available at Târgu Jiu local transport authority
website
| Name | Phone # |
|---|---|
| Taxi Number One | (+4) 0253 206.060 |
| Taxi Dismolex | (+4) 0253 212.121 |
| Taxi InterCity | (+4) 0253 206.011 |
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Târgu Jiu Hotels
Accommodations in Târgu Jiu include:
| Hotel Name | Class | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Ramada | four-star/ midscale | town centre |
| Europa | three-star/ midscale | town centre |
| Anna | three-star/ midscale | 0.4 miles southeast of town centre |
| Art Boutique Central | boutique / midscale | town centre |
| Goya Boutique | boutique / midscale | 2.5 miles east of town centre |
| YmY | three-star/ midscale | 0.5 miles southwest of town centre |
| Aqua | three-star/ midscale | 0.8 miles southeast of town centre |
| Story | three-star/ midscale | 0.5 miles north of town centre |
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Tourist Info
Târgu Jiu Tourist Info Centre
Centrul Național de Informare și Promovare Turistică Târgu Jiu
Bd. Constantin Brâncuși 29
Phone: (+4) 0253 223.261
Târgu Jiu pharmacies open non-stop:
Farmacia Optifarm
Address: Strada Unirii, bloc 16 parter
Telephone: 0767 124 776
Târgu Jiu Emergency Hospital
Spitalul Judetean de Urgenta Târgu Jiu
Address: Str. Progresului 18
Telephone: (+4) 0253 243.315 or 210.432
Website
Târgu Jiu Local Authorities
Gorj County Archives
Arhivele Județene Gorj
Address: Str. I.C. Popilian 32
Telephone: (+4) 0253 212.315
Târgu Jiu Town Hall
Primaria Târgu Jiu
Telephone: (+4) 0253 213.317
Address: Blvd.Constantin Brancusi 19
Gorj County Consumer Proptection Agency
Comisariatul Judeţean pentru Protecţia Consumatorilor Gorj
Address: Str. Victoriei
Telephone: (+4) 0253 212.521
Postal services
Main Post Office
Address: Str. Eroilor, Bl. 17
Telephone: (+4) 0253 219.476
Open: Mon. – Fri. 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Post offices display a postal horn symbol and the word Posta.
Telephoning Târgu Jiu from Abroad
International Access Code (011 for US and Canada) + 4 (country code) + 0253 or 0353 (area code) + six-digit telephone number
Maps
Town of Târgu Jiu Map (Harta Orasului Târgu-Jiu)
Romania Physical Map (Romania - Harta Fizica)
Romania Detailed Road Map (Romania - Harta Detaliata)
Romania Road Map (Romania - Harta Drumurilor, Sosele)
Romania Rail Map (Romania - Harta Cailor Ferate)
