Hărău Commune combines garden art with archaeological and church-history sites in several villages. I Giardini di Zoe is located in Banpotoc; churches and archaeological sites can also be found in Hărău and Chimindia. These different themes can be grouped by garden architecture, building history and settlement history. Specific place names and the different periods help you find your bearings.
Garden Art in Banpotoc
I Giardini di Zoe in Banpotoc is a landscaped garden designed according to the architectural principles of Italian Renaissance gardens. Ornamental trees and shrubs, fountains and numerous paths are part of its design. It also features several thousand plant species, stone decorations and ornaments, domes formed from clipped hedges, paths with travertine steps and green mazes. The grounds thus combine planting, water and stone elements within a clear garden design. For garden enthusiasts, this combination of Renaissance principles and diverse design elements is a distinctive highlight of Banpotoc. Access is via county road DJ 107A, not directly from the village of Banpotoc. Check the current access route before setting out.
Archaeological Traces from Different Periods
The Coțofeni settlement near Banpotoc lies within Hărău Commune and dates to the Early Bronze Age and the Coțofeni culture. A Neolithic settlement near Chimindia is part of the commune’s archaeological heritage. The Hărău–Pe Șag site offers another point of reference in time. It lies near the villages of Hărău and Chimindia, on a clearly defined terrace above the present-day Mureș floodplain, on the right bank of the river. An assemblage from a partially sunken settlement was discovered there, confirming the presence of post-Roman communities. The sites therefore differ in both their locations and their periods: Chimindia represents the Neolithic settlement, Banpotoc the Coțofeni culture of the Early Bronze Age, and Pe Șag the post-Roman communities. This comparison offers a chronological perspective on the commune’s history without conflating the different locations into a single archaeological site.
Churches and Building History
The churches also mark different periods. The stone Church of “Sfântul Dumitru” in Hărău is a national historic monument and dates to the 18th century. In Chimindia, the Church of “Cuvioasa Paraschiva” is a national historic monument and dates to the 16th century. Visitors interested in ecclesiastical building history can distinguish the two locations by their dates: Chimindia represents the 16th century, and Hărău the 18th century.
Other Cultural and Landscape Connections
Castelul Lupilor Transilvania is located in Chimindia, within Hărău Commune. A report from March 2024 also described a garden on the property featuring traditional miniature houses. As this visitor attraction may change, check in advance whether the area will be accessible during your visit. The territory of Hărău Commune is also associated with the Piemontul Munților Metaliferi – Vințu Natura 2000 protected area. Thus, alongside gardens, building history and archaeology, a protected area is also part of the commune’s thematic context.
Food and Events
In July 2022, Bârsău was one of the stops on Hunedoara’s traditional gastronomy route. The route announcement at the time also mentioned producers accredited by Romania’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. If you would like to plan your trip around the gastronomy route, check its current information in advance. “Ziua comunei” is a cultural event in Hărău Commune. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the event date in advance.
The gastronomy route connection in Bârsău offers another aspect to consider when planning your trip; check the latest information.
Discover more destinations: Banpotoc, Orastioara de Sus, Bosorod, Santamaria - Orlea, Teliucu Inferior Commune, Hunedoara, Densuș Commune, Certeju De Sus Commune.
For the broader travel overview: Hunedoara.
