Having a special natural potential as wonderful mountain landscapes, meadows with flowers, century-old forests, ice lakes, narrow paths, quays, caves, clear rivers and valuable historic and artistically treasures, the Gorj county is one of the most attractive tourist zones in Romania.
The town of Brâncusi's monuments, the municipality of Târgu Jiu is the capital city of this county. The most valuable attraction of the town is undoubtedly the sculptural complex made by great Brâncusi in 1937-1938: Table of Silence, Gate of Kiss and Endless Column. The three masterpieces gathered in an open-air place are dedicated to the heroes of the Ist World War.
In Târgu Jiu the tourists are to visit the County Museum founded in 1894, different memorial houses and others as: Administrative Palace, "Gorj" Hotel, Commercial Bank, etc.
In Curtisoara, in a picturesque place there is Cula Cornoius fortified house built in the XVIIIth century and an interesting village museum. Near by the Jiu Narrow Path there are the ruins of a Roman camp dating back from Emperors Septimius Severus and Caracalla's time. On the Jiu Valley the tourists can stop at "Lainici" or to visit the monastery from here.
In fact in any place of the Gorj County the tourists meet something to be admired. From Novaci, a fine mountain town dating back from the XVI-th century, the Rânca Spa can be reached (1'600 m above sea) Baia de Fier is known thanks to Pestera Muierii, a cave situated in the quays of the Galbenu River. Near by the Oltetul Quays there is the Polovraci Monastery built in the XVIIIth century. Crossing the town of Târgu Cărbunesti the tourists arrive in the village of Vladimiri where there is "Tudor Vladimirescu" Memorial house. In the village of Pades revolutionist Tudor Vladimirescu read his Proclamation in 1821. Tismana offers also some tourist attractions: the monastery with its valuable fresca. At 32 km North-East far from Târgu Jiu and 16 km North from Târgu Cărbunesti there is the Săcelu Spa (340 m above sea) with a nice climate and table waters.
Thanks to the landscape, architecture, folk customs and peoples' hospitality other places are interesting for tourists too: Runcu (the Sohodolul Valley), Pestisani (Constantin Brâncusi Memorial House in Hobita village), Gogova (Cula Gogovenilor), Turceni (Strâmba Monastery), Jicleni (watering place), Motru, Mătăsari, Musetesti, Bălănesti, Crasna, Alimpesti, Drăgotesti, Bălesti, Rovinari, Stănesti, Scoarla, Bengesti-Ciocadia, Bumbesti-Pilic, etc.