Pietroasele Treasure
✨ Short Description
The Pietroasele Treasure (The Hatching Hen with the Golden Chicks) is one of the most significant archaeological finds in Romania, dating back to the 4th century AD. Discovered in 1837 by two peasants, the treasure has had a turbulent history, involving theft, destruction, and a four-decade stay in Russia before being returned to Romania in 1956. The recovered pieces, weighing nearly 20 kg of gold, are now on display at the National Museum of History in Bucharest and the Buzău County Museum. The hoard consists of ornate objects of great artistic and historical value, offering insight into the culture and religion of the Germanic tribes or oriental peoples.
📜 History of the Site
The treasure was discovered on Istrița Hill, in the commune of Pietroasele, by Ion Lemnaru and Stan Avram in 1837, while quarrying stone for the Diocese of Buzău. Initially hidden and then sold, the pieces were later deformed and scattered across Europe, sparking international controversy. Over the years, the treasure was displayed in various exhibitions, before its return to Romania in 1956.
⭐ Importance and Uniqueness of the Location
The Pietroasele Treasure holds great historical and cultural significance, believed to be linked to the Visigoths or Ostrogoths. The craftsmanship of the objects reflects a blend of oriental and barbarian artistic influences, offering a glimpse into the religious customs and social hierarchy of the migratory peoples of the 4th century AD.
🐉 Local Myths and Stories
Legend of the Name – The treasure’s nickname, “The Hatching Hen with the Golden Chicks”, originates from the way the pieces were arranged at the time of their discovery, resembling a hen protecting her brood.
Treasure Conflicts – Over the years, the hoard was stolen and contested, including the theft of some pieces by a student in 1872.
🗺️ What to Visit
Place of Discovery – In Pietroasele, an amphitheater has been built featuring stone-carved representations of the treasure’s pieces.
National Museum of History – The original treasure is on display here, with a faithful replica exhibited at the Buzău County Museum.
📍 How to Get There
Access: The site is reachable from Buzău via DN1B, and Pietroasele can also be accessed by rail. Nearby, the Pietroasa Veche wine resort offers additional tourist attractions.
GPS: N45.1, E26.56666667
🔎 Things to Keep in Mind
Accessibility: The discovery site is open to tourists and can be visited on a guided tour.
Tourism Promotion: The area is part of a heritage tourism project, which also includes nearby archaeological sites such as a Roman fortress and a Dacian citadel.
⏳ Visiting Program and Fees
Visits: The treasure can be seen at the National History Museum in Bucharest and the Buzău County Museum.
Fees: Access to the discovery site is free, and the amphitheater can be visited as part of a guided tour.