Motru, Romania

Welcome to Motru, a picturesque city located in the Gorj County of Romania. Situated on the banks of the beautiful river Motru, this charming city is a hidden gem that offers a wonderful mix of history, culture, and nature. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or simply love to explore new places, Motru has something to offer for everyone.

History
Motru has a rich history that dates back to the Roman Empire. The ancient town of Amutria, which was part of an important road network between Drubetis and Pelendava, is believed to have been located here. In 1964, some silver coins from the era of Emperor Septimius Severus were found in Leurda, which is just a few kilometers away from the city. The oldest documented settlement in the area is Ploștina, which was mentioned in 1385. Motru was created by an administrative decision in 1966 on the territory of the former Ploștina commune, which, together with seven other villages, became part of the new city. The reason behind the decision to create a city was the development of several coal deposits. In 1981, Motru was the site of riots from miners who were working in the mines of the city. The riots were triggered by poor work conditions, tight control of legislative organizations, and general exhaustion of the miners.

Present
Motru is a municipiu and is home to a population of over 18,000 people. Mining is the city’s main industry, and agriculture and livestock are also important, especially in its attached villages. The city administers eight villages: Dealu Pomilor, Horăști, Însurăței, Leurda, Lupoița, Ploștina, Roșiuța, and Râpa. The Motru bread factory, which used to attract many workers and farmers into the city, is now in ruins. Transportation to and from Motru is easy, with several daily commuter trains traveling to Craiova and bus connections with the district capital of Târgu Jiu. The city is on the National Road 67 from Drobeta-Turnu Severin to Râmnicu Vâlcea.

Natives
Gabriel Cruceru and Dorel Mutică are two famous natives of Motru.

Whether you’re interested in exploring the history and culture of the city or simply want to relax and unwind in the lap of nature, Motru is a great destination for your next vacation. Visit Motru today and discover the hidden treasures of this charming city.