Comănești, Romania

Welcome to Comănești, a picturesque town located in Bacău County, Western Moldavia, Romania. With a population of 19,568 as of 2011, Comănești is situated on the river Trotuș, which flows between the Ciuc and the Tarcău mountains. The town administers two villages, Podei and Vermești. Comănești has a rich history dating back to the Neolithic period, with remains found in the Vermești area of the town. The name is derived from the Cumans who once ruled the region. Its first written record dates from 1657, and its first presence on a map from the 1696 Sanson Map. From the late 18th century onwards, the town was in the domain of the Ghica family of boyars, who remained an important presence in the area until the middle of the 20th century. The Ghica Palace, now housing the local museum, the park in front of the museum, and the railway stations are testimonies to their presence in the town.

Comănești has faced challenges in recent years, with an unemployment rate of 18.1% as of 2003, much higher than the country’s average. The town is in the center of a large coal field and there are also smaller amounts of oil in the area. The coal mine, which in 1989 employed 5,000 people, was finally closed down in 2005, leaving the last group of miners (260 in all) unemployed. The other major industry of the town is forestry, but the large lumberyard and factory were also closed; this area of enterprise is now dominated by small local businesses, but in the last few years some international investors started to appear in the city, especially in retail and commerce. There have been new initiatives in recent months to attract investment into the area in both the industrial and tourism sectors.

Despite these challenges, Comănești remains a charming destination for tourists. The town’s train station, built in 1899 and modeled on the Lausanne and Curtea de Argeș railway stations, is a testament to the town’s rich history. Visitors can also explore the Ghica Palace, now home to the local museum, and the park in front of the museum. The town’s location on the river Trotuș also offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing and hiking.

Comănești is a hidden gem that is often overlooked in favor of more famous destinations in Romania. However, its rich history, picturesque location, and opportunities for outdoor activities make it a destination that should not be missed. Come and discover the charm of Comănești for yourself!