Zlatna

Zlatna (Hungarian: Zalatna, German: Kleinschlatten) is a historic mining town in the Metaliferi Mountains. A gold mining settlement since Roman times (known as the municipium of Ampellum), it was first recorded in 1347. The element tellurium was first discovered here in 1782 by Franz-Joseph Müller von Reichenstein. Zlatna administers 18 surrounding villages and its economy has long revolved around mining and smelting.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Cluj-Napoca International Airport (CLJ), about 100 km north. Sibiu International Airport (SBZ) is about 110 km east.

By Train

Zlatna has a railway station on the secondary line connecting to Alba Iulia. Train services are limited. Buses from Alba Iulia provide more frequent connections.

By Car / Road

Zlatna is 36 km north-west of Alba Iulia on the DJ107 road, on the border with Hunedoara County. It lies at the confluence of the Ampoi River and Valea Morilor creek, between the Metaliferi and Trascau Mountains.

Zlatna is a compact town best explored on foot. Taxis are available for longer journeys. Local buses connect to nearby villages.

• Roman gold mining heritage — Zlatna has been a gold mining settlement since Roman times, when it was the municipium of Ampellum.

• 220 m high chimney — a former copper smelter chimney, one of the tallest structures in the area, now a landmark.

• Church of Saint Nicholas and the Nativity of Virgin Mary — historic Orthodox church.

• Church of the Dormition — another notable religious building.

• Bust of Avram Iancu — monument dedicated to the 1848 revolutionary leader.

• Hiking in the Metaliferi Mountains — the surrounding hills offer trails through historic mining landscapes.

• Explore the Ampoi River valley — scenic walks along the river.

• Visit the old mine galleries — the area's Roman and medieval mining history can be explored in the surrounding hills.

A few local restaurants serve Romanian cuisine. The mining town atmosphere means dining is simple and functional. For more options, visit Alba Iulia.

Local bars serve coffee, soft drinks, and Romanian alcoholic beverages. The natural spring water of the area is excellent.

Zlatna has limited accommodation, mostly small guesthouses. For more comfortable lodging, Alba Iulia or Sebes offer a wider range of hotels.

Small local shops provide daily necessities. For a wider selection of goods, Alba Iulia (36 km south-east) offers supermarkets and shopping centres.

• Alba Iulia — 36 km south-east, county capital with Alba Carolina Citadel
• Abrud — historic gold-mining town in the Apuseni Mountains
• Rosia Montana — Roman gold mining galleries and archaeological site
• Metaliferi Mountains — hiking through historic mining landscapes
• Trascau Mountains — scenic mountain scenery and hiking trails