Petroșani, Mining city in Hunedoara County, Romania.
Petroșani sits in the heart of the Jiu Valley coal region, framed by the Parâng Mountains in central Romania. The city lies at an elevation of 615 meters (2,018 feet) and developed around coal extraction and related industrial operations.
The settlement started in 1640 when serfs from Petros established themselves in the area, then became a major coal center after 1840. This transformation during the 19th century turned the location from a small farming community into an industrial hub.
The mining museum displays equipment and records from the industrial past, and the local theater hosts regular performances throughout the year. These spaces form the cultural heart where residents gather to connect with their shared heritage and present-day arts.
The local university specializes in mining engineering with training programs linked to working mines in the region. Visitors can observe industrial operations and gain insight into how coal extraction shaped and continues to shape the local economy.
The famous writer Jules Verne visited the region and included the city in his 1892 novel, adding a literary note to its industrial reputation. This connection to one of literature's great adventurers remains surprising to many who pass through.
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