FIJET Golden Apple to the city of TARGU JIU (2014)

Capital of Gorj county (South-Western Oltenia region in Romania), Târgu Jiu dates back to the Dacian period. The town was first documented in 1406, and its name comes from the fairs organized on the banks of Jiu river. Yet, the borough became well known in modern times due to the Sculptural Ensemble of Constantin Brâncu?i. The artist is considered the most important sculptor of the XX-th century and among the most talented artists of all time. Brâncu?i created in Târgu Jiu his only outdoor monument ensemble, unique not only in Romania, but worldwide – Hero’s Way Monument. Built between 1937-1938, this symbol of Gorj county spirituality and Romanian genius consists of

 three main works – Table of Silence, The Gate of Kiss and The Column of the Infinite, popularly known as The Endless Column.

 Constantin Brâncu?i (1876-1957) grew in a peasant family in Hobi?a (close to Tg. Jiu). He attended the School of Arts and Crafts of Craiova (1894-1898) and Bucharest School of Fine Arts (1898-1902). In 1904 he left for Paris. In Munchen he graduated the courses of Academy of Fine Arts. In 1937, Constantin Brâncusi returned to România and, at the request of National League of Gorj Women – an important organization for the promotion of culture and industry in the region -, finishes an important project dedicated to the ones perished in the battles Tg. Jiu, during the First World War. The work consists of several stone sculptures placed on the way where battles took place. The most « photogenic » of them all – The Column of the Infinite – is 29 meters (95 feet) height and is formed of rhomboidal, sand glass like bronze modules. Florin Jianu, state secretary for tourism, participated at the ceremony that took place in the Central Park of Targu Jiu, October 16^th 2014, in the vicinity of the work of art called “The table of Silence”. With this occasion he declared: “I am pleased to participate in such a unique event. The initiative of FIJET Romania in a partnership with the local administration and the private business environment proofs that our country has a real basis for promoting its destinations, not only projects and strategies sketched on paper. I am sure that this award will contribute in promoting the city and the legacy left here by Constantin Brancusi, and will attract more and more tourism.”