Olt county is defined by the long and powerful river that flows through the heart of the southern plains. You drive along the Olt river valley, where the water has created a wide and fertile landscape that supports many small farms. The scenery is open and full of green reeds, willow trees, and a variety of bird life that lives along the banks. It is an excellent route for a relaxing afternoon drive, with many spots to pull over and enjoy the quiet view of the water. The river has been a life-giving force for the people of this region for thousands of years.
The city of Slatina has an old town center that is full of southern charm and a long history of trade and craft. You can walk through the streets where local artisans still practice their work and the architecture reflects the style of the old century. The town is particularly famous for its traditional sweet shops that have been serving the same recipes for decades. You find a warm welcome and a steady, honest pace of life that is characteristic of the southern plains. The city provides a comfortable and interesting break in your journey through the river valley.
Visit the river port of Corabia to see the ruins of an ancient Roman fort that once guarded the crossing of the Danube. The site of Sucidava features a secret fountain located deep underground that still provides cold, fresh water even in the middle of summer. You can stand on the ancient walls and look across the wide river toward the distant hills of the south. The vibe of the port is very quiet and full of the ghosts of the ancient world and the old river trade. This route offers a fascinating look at the deep historical roots and the simple beauty of the southern river lands.
Olt (county) highlights
- Slatina Old Town Walk through restored center of regional capital to find elegant buildings that reflect wealth of old grain and aluminum trade. Narrow, sloping streets are filled with character and lead to quiet squares where history of south feels very much alive. It is a pleasant spot to stretch your legs and see the architectural pride of the Olt River valley.
- Brâncoveni Monastery Visit a historic holy site that served as ancestral home to one of nation's most famous royal families. Stone church and its quiet gardens are a masterpiece of local style, featuring delicate carvings and a sense of steady history. It is a place of deep spirit and absolute silence, offering a calm retreat from heat of southern plains.
- Olt River Bridges Drive across a series of massive bridges that span one of longest and most powerful rivers in land. View of wide, blue water and distant industrial silhouettes creates a sense of immense space and modern energy. Watching sun set over river from these high vantage points is a classic experience for any southern road tripper.
- Strehareți Park Relax in a large green escape on edge of Slatina, featuring a peaceful lake and many shaded paths for a slow walk. Park offers a fresh, open atmosphere where you can enjoy local nature and a quiet afternoon break. It is a favorite local spot for families and those looking to enjoy warm southern sun in a cool setting.
- Romula Roman Ruins Explore archaeological remains of an ancient city that once served as a major administrative hub for Roman empire. Site provides a fascinating look at early urban life in south and enduring strength of ancient engineering. It is a quiet and breezy spot that connects modern journey to deep history of prehistoric tribes.
- Corabia Port Visit busy waterfront where history of river trade meets wide expanse of Danube at southern border. You can stroll along docks to watch big ships and feel fresh breeze coming off water. Area captures spirit of a border town that has lived in harmony with river for centuries, offering a wide and airy horizon.
- Sulina Forest (Olt) Drive through a protected woodland of old oak and ash trees that provides a serene setting for a nature-filled drive. Forest is home to several quiet trails and hidden clearings that are perfect for a private picnic away from main highway. It is a place of absolute silence and deep green beauty that highlights natural character of plains.
- Dârjov Valley Follow backroads through a scenic valley filled with rolling hills and traditional farming villages. Road is quiet and charming, offering a look at authentic rural life where seasons dictate pace of work. It is a perfect route for those who want to see heart of southern landscape and its simple, honest beauty.
- Clocociov Monastery Discover a peaceful nunnery located on a hill overlooking river valley, famous for its flower gardens and old icons. Site is tucked away in a quiet corner of county and offers a sense of sanctuary that is perfect for a slow afternoon break. You can walk shaded grounds and enjoy calm rhythm of traditional monastic life.
- Tancaboșea Pottery Stop in local villages to see artists make traditional ceramics using secrets passed down through generations. You can watch clay take shape on wheel and see unique patterns that define folk art of Olt region. It is a wonderful chance to buy a handmade gift and meet masters of earth and fire.
The local Four
History of Olt (county)
Olt is a landscape of river tactical points and ancient limestone engineering. The regional capital Slatina was first documented in 1392 as a strategic customs post where the trade routes from the Carpathian mountains met the southern plains. The county holds the remains of the Roman settlement Sucidava where in 328 AD Constantine the Great built the longest bridge of the era spanning over 2400 meters across the Danube. This fortress features an 18 meter deep Secret Fountain which is an underground tunnel engineered to reach a subterranean spring allowing the garrison to retrieve water during sieges without ever leaving the safety of the stone walls.
The history of the region is defined by its resilience during the 1821 Revolution when the pandur troops of Tudor Vladimirescu used the Olt river banks as a primary staging ground against Ottoman forces. To the south the port of Corabia flourished during the late 19th century grain boom becoming a vital departure point for wheat exports to Europe. The industrial identity of the county shifted in the 1970s when the Olt river was transformed by a massive engineering project consisting of 30 hydroelectric dams which created a chain of reservoirs and turned the once wild waterway into a controlled power source for the southern industrial sectors.
A road trip through Olt follows the flat southern roads toward the Danube where you can explore the ruins of the Roman bridge pillars at Celei. You should visit the Brâncoveni Monastery which was rebuilt in 1699 by Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu as a fortified royal retreat featuring thick walls and a secret cellar for the princely archives. The local villages like Oboga still produce pottery using Roman techniques that have been passed down for nearly 2000 years. Olt is a journey through the military engineering of the Roman empire and the massive river transformations of the modern era.