The Polovragi Forest, located in Gorj County, is much more than just a mass of trees. Steeped in legends and history, this forest is home to rich biodiversity and breathtaking scenery.
The legendary god Zamolxis would have found shelter in the cave near the forest, and the name "Polovragi" would come from a medicinal plant used by the ancient Dacians. These legends, combined with archaeological discoveries, have enveloped the forest in an aura of mystery and sacredness.
The Polovragi forest is a real sanctuary for a multitude of plant and animal species and represents a protection zone for species of edible chestnut (Castanea sativa) and accompanying flowering wood made up of trees and shrubs of the species: Transylvanian gorun (Quercus polycarpa), anin green (Alnus viridis), sand willow (Salix silesiaca) and dogwood (Carpinus orientalis). In the area of the Polovragi Forest (scientific and seed reserve), several species of rare plants grow among the grasses, including: dogwood (Lycopodium annotinum), dogwood (Lycopodium clavatum), rust (Asplenium ruta-muraria), pigeon's goiter (Silene viridiflora) and fern (Asplenium adulterinum).
