THE HISTORY

Boasting rich mineral resources, including crude oil, natural gas, salt, as well as mineral waters renowned for healing properties, coupled with picturesque landscapes and historical and ecclesiastical monuments, Ramnicu Valcea is the most popular tourist destination in the country.

The healing benefits of the Valcea mineral waters were originally discovered by the Dacians about 2200 years ago and later enjoyed by the Romans.

As word spread, the miraculous thermal waters were used continuously by the ruling emperors and their entourage, especially Mircea the Elder, one of the most prominent kings during the Ottoman Empire. In 1388 he built the Cozia Monastery in Ramnicu Valcea as a way to express his gratitude for the powers of the waters. He was buried there in 1418.

Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries ruling kings continued to flock to the miracle waters and built their own regal amenities and facilities to resemble Baden-Baden in Germany.  

Global Recognition

In the 1850s Napoleon III was bottling gallons and gallons of the magical waters directly from the Valcea Springs to deliver directly to Paris to treat his liver and renal diseases.

Franz Joseph, the emperor of Austria, upon visiting the Valcea area in 1852 and discovering its waters was benefitting from them on a regular basis.

Emile Loubet, France’s eighth president and Leopold Salvator, prince of Tuscany,  also were avid users of the miracle waters.

In 1873 the Valcea mineral waters were awarded the gold metal and in 1893 received the “Grand Prix Diploma” at the International Exhibition in Vienna concerning their exceptional therapeutic qualities.