Oltenia
Oltenia is a wonderful area placed between Danube, Olt river and Southern Carpathians. As a remark, Olt river divides Wallachia in two separate areas: Oltenia in the West and Muntenia in the East. People of Oltenia are proud, loving, beautiful and famous because of their desire to be free. In the recorded history, the population living in the North of the Danube river (the Getae) was first mentioned by Herodotus, "the father of history" (in the 4th century BC). Men were recognized for their bravery in battle. Perhaps this is the explanation why they remained the main ethnic population in this area despite the wars, many years of Roman colonization and the attacks of migrating people. For example, the Slavs who were assimilated little by little by the natives in present Oltenia, Wallachia (Muntenia) and Dobrudja. It is true that their influence left traces in Romanian vocabulary, customs, traditions and food.
So many legends and ballads are talking to the present generations about their ancestors feats of bravery. In these old woods, Romanians found a salvation when intruders came to steal their women or children, to rob their things and cattle, to put fire on their houses and even to kill everyone in their way. During many centuries, Oltenia - as entire Wallachia - was mainly exposed to the Turkish aggressive attacks and systematically destroyed (especially in the second half of the 16th century). But as Phoenix Bird, each time people returned and continued their lives building their houses and lives again. You must know that Oltenia gave courageous boyars to the local rulers; on their shoulders the Prince put many responsibilities. Michael the Brave became the ruler of entire Wallachia Principality in 1593 and Preda Buzescu (coming from Oltenia) was rewarded with the Great Ban's high dignity for his loyalty and help in difficult times. Also the last two rulers of Wallachia were born in a great family of Oltenia: the brothers Gheorghe Dimitrie Bibescu (1842-1848) and Barbu Dimitrie Stirbei (1849-1856).
Spending your vacation in Oltenia will be a wonderful opportunity to fill your soul with unforgettable views (many forests and hidden caves - Muierilor Cave, Polovragi Cave, Closani Cave). Also you can treat your illnesses in the modern resorts as Olanesti, Calimanesti-Caciulata, Govora, Herculane and Voineasa. The splendid landscape of the pass created by the Olt river can be one of the most beautiful memory of your life. Oltenia carpets are famous because of their refined ornaments; you will admire all kind of birds (hoopoe, chicken, duck, geese), flowers, characters of the village, dance and many other amazing patterns. In many ethnographic museums of the world you can find these carpets home made in Oltenia. Main cities of Oltenia are : Craiova, Ramnicu Valcea, Tirgu Jiu and Drobeta-Turnu Severin.