Zarand Country: gold, history and thermal waters
The Gold Museum in Brad, Crișan's house, Țebea and Vața Spa, around Brad and Baia de Criș.
Brad and its surroundings link three themes: the gold of the Metaliferi Mountains, the uprisings of 1784 and 1848, and the villages on the Crișul Alb. Day one stays in Brad and Ribița commune; day two heads to Țebea, Grohot and Vața de Jos Spa.
Day 1 — Gold and uprising
- Gold Museum, Brad Museum · Brad
The largest collection of native gold in Europe, with pieces untouched by any jeweller.
- Crișan Memorial House Memorial house · Brad
The reconstructed house of Gheorghe Crișan, one of the leaders of the 1784–1785 peasant uprising.
- Roman Steps (Ruda-Brad) optional Archaeological mining site · Brad
One of the few Roman-era mining galleries preserved in the Apuseni Mountains, dug nearly 2,000 years ago.
Gallery length: ~200 m
Day 2 — Țebea, Grohot and Vața
- Moților Pantheon, Țebea Memorial complex · Zarand Country
The heroes' cemetery in Țebea, with Avram Iancu's grave and the famous Horea's Oak.
- Grohot Natural Bridge optional Natural monument · Zarand Country
A natural monument in the Uibărești valley, about 15 km from Țebea, protected for its natural bridge and limestone vegetation.
- Vața de Jos thermal baths (Vața Băi) Spa resort · Vața de Jos
A thermal spa with 36–38 °C waters in the Crișul Alb valley, reopened after more than a decade of neglect.
- Wooden Church, Ciungani optional Wooden church · Vața de Jos
A wooden church from around 1600, with the tallest tower of any wooden church in Hunedoara county — 14 m.
Where to eat or stay
- Pensiunea Irina Accommodation · Brad
- Pensiunea Ana Maria Accommodation · Brad
The itineraries are indicative and only use the information in the guide. They do not include distances or travel times between stops. Check opening hours and prices before you go.