As mentioned in my post last week, we headed to Rosia Montana to find out more about the town, research the area, and see how we can get involved in preserving the history of one of the oldest, if not the oldest, town in Romania.
As we arrived, at what I’ll call the entry point to Rosia Montana (see pic above), I was amazed by how different it looked compared to other local villages.
Until you’ve been through Romania, you don’t really get the “feel” of a Romanian village, but this one, was different.
I was immediately struck by its beauty, and not just because of the white flakes that smothered it, but by the visual history that could be seen within.
Stephanie from the Save Rosia Montana campaign had kindly given me the number for Andrei Gruber. Upon our arrival Andrei had greeted us at his newly opened Hostel called La Gruber.
We quickly got talking to Andrei regarding the area, the history, and the present moment. We were then joined by his girlfriend whom politely made us a warm cup of coffee. I was very curious as to what has been happening so I asked plenty of questions regarding the youth generation, education (they have 3 schools), the general feeling within the community, their ideas about the future, and of course, what would they like their next project to be? I was like a kid in a toy store, I was that excited.
La Gruber was privately funded by local community members.
Surprisingly enough, they have no connectivity in Rosia Montana. For the past year, Romtelecom has said the area is not worth their investment. I instantly cried aloud with my thoughts on this, of course. These people would and do strive on being connected with the ‘outside world’.
Andrei had then offered to take us downtown, and up to one of 8 lakes in the town itself. EIGHT!
We had walked for about 15mins and the history was truely amazing, buildings dating back to 1933 and even earlier. Most of which had been bought by the Rosia Montana Gold Corporation awaiting demolition.
We returned back into town to go to the Museum. We had managed to get the guide to take us to into the mines themselves. After walking down 30m in stairs, we arrived at the original Roman mines, which were built manually in the year 131.
2,000 years ago these mines were dug, by hand. Quite simple you think? Nope, these mines go down 12 more levels, and up another 4 and continue for at least 24km (15ish miles). These are the ones that are actually known about. What we found amazing was the fact the tunnels and mines were built with the utmost precision, even if 2,000 years ago. They reside at the perfect width and height to get the maximum space without them collapsing.
We saw the crystals, we saw the iron, we saw the gold. We saw THE ONLY ROMAN MINE IN THE WORLD. This is the history right here and now. This is where Unesco WHC needs to step up. Nowhere in the world can you visit original mines and tunnels belonging to the Roman’s with original inscriptions on the walls.
Upon leaving the mines and later saying our goodbyes to our superb host, we got thinking.
The mines cannot be used further as its a 10RON – 13RON ratio on incoming/outgoing.
Clearly, the only way to preserve this beautiful, and historic town is Tourism. The Minister of Tourism needs to step up to the plate and be counted for. The thermal waters below Bucharest are irrelevant. Project our heritage, project our history, and help to bring pride back to this country, instead of trying to sell it of like its nothing to us, to some Canadian corporation greedy for money and gold, and willing to stop at nothing until it gets it. (for those that aren’t aware, the use of Cyanide is banned in Europe, and under European Laws too)
With tourism, you create jobs. Jobs for the youngsters. The RMGC’s plan for the next 16years of excavation would only create 350 jobs. Tourism can create this is just one year. The tourist potential is the gold mine. (pardon the pun!)
We fully support the efforts of Rosia Montana and its people, and will continue in our efforts to ensure its preserved.
Can I count on your support with me?
tags: rosia+montana / corna+valley / gold+corp / romania / romanian+history / gold / save+rosia+montana