Petrila

Petrila is a mining town in the Jiu Valley, Hunedoara County, located at the confluence of the Jiul de Est, Taia and Jieț rivers at 675 m elevation. First documented in 1493, its name derives from Latin "petrinus" (stony), referring to the rich coal deposits. The town developed around coal mining from 1840 onwards.

By Plane

The nearest airports are Sibiu International Airport (SBZ), about 170 km north-east, and Timișoara Traian Vuia Airport (TSR), about 200 km west.

By Train

Petrila is connected by rail to Petroșani and the national network. Trains from Bucharest, Timișoara and Cluj-Napoca stop at Petroșani station, from where local trains or buses cover the 13 km to Petrila.

By Car / Road

From Bucharest: A1 to Pitești, then E81 via Râmnicu Vâlcea, then E79/DN66 through Petroșani to Petrila. From Deva: E79 south through Hațeg, past Petroșani, then turn east to Petrila. The town lies along DN66A.

Petrila is compact and walkable. Taxis and minibuses connect to Petroșani and other Jiu Valley towns.

• Petrila Mine — one of the oldest coal mines in Romania (operational since 1840). The surface buildings are a historic industrial landmark.

• Parâng Mountains — towering south of the town, offering some of Romania's highest peaks (Parângu Mare, 2,519 m) and 22 glacial lakes.

• Roman Catholic Church in Lonea — early 20th-century Catholic church in the Lonea district.

• Panorama from Cabana Parâng — stunning mountain hut with sweeping views of the Parâng range.

• Hike in the Parâng Mountains — glacial lakes, forests, botanical reserve and alpine trails.

• Ski at Parâng Ski Resort (12 km south-east of Petroșani, easily accessible from Petrila) — skiing November–April.

• Mountain biking on alpine tracks or hiking on Parâng mountain trails.

• Visit the Petrila Mine for a glimpse into the region's mining heritage (limited public access; inquire locally).

• Small local restaurants and takeaways in the town centre.
• More dining options available in Petroșani, including Medieval Restaurant (+40 254 540492) and Keops Club Restaurant (+40 254 540294).

• Local bars and pubs in the town centre.
• For a wider selection, visit bars in Petroșani, such as Bar Selena (Strada 1 Decembrie 1918 nr. 98, +40 788 702481).

• Limited accommodation in Petrila itself. Nearby Petroșani has more options:
• Hotel Rusu, Strada Timișoara 34, Petroșani, +40 760 174 339 — the main lodge near the ski resort, spa and restaurant.
• Pensiunea Bujor de Munte, Strada Bujorului, Petroșani, +40 254 549 060 — from 190 lei.
• Pensiunea Floare de Colt, Str. Livezeni nr. 36, Petroșani, +40 254 548563.
• La Belle Epoque, Strada Grivița Roșie 36, Petroșani, +40 254 543 451 — old-times resort, from 222 lei.

• Small grocery shops and convenience stores in the town centre.
• Fresh produce at local markets.
• For more extensive shopping, visit Petroșani (Jiul Shopping Center, 13 km).

• Petroșani — 13 km west, the Jiu Valley central hub.
• Lupeni — 25 km west via DN66A.
• Hațeg — 50 km north-west.
• Hunedoara — 74 km north-west.
• Deva — 89 km north-west.