Ilfov Information
General Info
Place
Ilfov is situated in the southern part of Romania. It covers a surface of 1,593 sq. km, with 276,000 locuitori inhabitants. It is considered the youngest county of the country (the 24th of September of 1996).
Neighbours
Its neighbours are: in the north-Prahova; in the south-east - Călăraşi County, in the south-west - Giurgiu County, in the east - Ialomiţa County, in the noth-west - Dâmboviţa County.
Relief
The relief entirely superposes upon some subunits of the Vlăsia Plain, a unit of Romanian Plain.
Waters
The main rivers that drain the county territory have their springs in upper areas: Ialomita, Dâmboviţa, Sabarul. The numerous lakes are of special interest: Buftea, Buciumeni, Mogoşoaia, Chitila, Străuleşti, Băneasa, Herăstrău, Floreasca, Tei, Plumbuita, Pantelimon, Cernica.
Climate
The climate is temperate continental, the average temperature in January being of -2,5C, and in July, 23C.
Neolithic
The oldest material traces date since Middle Paleolithic (discoveries at Măgurele). In Cernica- Căldăraru, there was discovered one of the largest necropolis in the South-Eastern Europe. Comprising the main cities arouns Bucharest, Ilfov offers to the trip lovers varied possibilities of relaxation. They can find here forests, hunting fields, lakes for fishing and different water sports, objectives of touristic interest or of great artistical value.
Tourist Attraction
Leisure areas
Snagov Lake and Forest (40 km from Bucharest), very attractive for the capital inhabitants. The lake is considered one of the biggest river limans in the Romanian Plain (576 hectares, 18 km in length, 9 m in depth). On the lake, one can practice different water sports or fish (perch, bream, guvid, carp). The forest (a rest of the Vlăsia woods, which formerly covered the whole Romanian Plain), is arranged as an immense park with beaches, restaurants, being declared natural preserve. Its wood vegetation is represented by oaks, birches, limes etc. Căldăruşani Lake and Forest (45 km from Bucharest), a very wanted touristic area, especially by fishermen and hunters. The lake is situated near a river liman (6 m in length, 5 m in depth), and in the forest surrounding it, the rabbit and pheasant hunting is practiced. Part of it forms a forest preserve that shelters oaks, poplars and willows. Băneasa Forest (10 km from Bucharest), one of the beautiful relaxation places around the capital, a special attraction point is the zoo corner, with hundreds animal exemplaries. Cernica Forest and Lake. The lake covers a surface of 311 hectares, on its right bank it was arranged a swimming pool with booths, landing place, restaurant, medical office, sport grounds. The forest offers many possibilities for hunting. Râioasa Forest (6 km from Mogoşoaia), forest and flower preserve. The name, Râioasa (the Scabby) is explained by the aspect of the trees that have on their barks a lot of moss and lichen. Mogoşoaia Lake (15 km from Bucharest), with a surface of 66 hectares; on its left bank, a swimming pool is arranged. Pantelimon Lake it covers a surface of 260 hectares; sport grounds and swimming pools are arranged on the left bank.
Historical vestiges
Mogoşoaia Palace (14 km from Bucharest), it was built as a prince residence by Constantin Brâncoveanu in 1702. It is a splendid architectural monument which combines elements of national architecture and Italian art. Its harmonious profile mirrors itself in the waters of Mogoşoaia lake towards which you can descend a series of successive terraces. The park in which the palace is situated is adorned with pillars, statues, vegetal fences, bushes that enrich the pictoresque atmosphere of the place. The palace hosts a valuable museum of Brâncovenesque Feudal art.
Religious buildings
Snagov Monastery (40 km from Bucharest), it is mentioned in documents of the end of the 14th century. The monastery is supposed to have been built by Vlad the Empaler (1456 - 1462). The present church dates since the 16th century and is a representative monument for Middle Ages architecture. The paintings represent the largest medieval wall assembly in a Romanian church. It played an important cultural role because it sheltered one of the first printing centres in Romania (end of the 17th century). Cernica Monastery (25 km from Bucharest), it was built in the 19th century. It hosts a museum with old and valuable objects of art and cult. Căldăruşani Monastery (40 de from Bucharest), it was built by Neagoe Basarab, between 1637 - 1638. The monastery hosts a museum collection of old art objects: paintings by N. Grigorescu etc.
Cultural buildings
Museum of Brâncovenesque Art (Mogoşoaia Palace) it comprises representative objects completing the architectural background and the Medieval atmosphere characteristic to this precious monument. There are exhibited silverware pieces, sculptures, old textures and gloden and silver embroideries, chronicles, rare prints, with original priceless miniatures.
