GOLDEN APPLE 2014 for Târgu Jiu – City of Constantin BrâncuÅŸi
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 BrâncuÅŸi. The artist is considered the most important sculptor of the XX-th century and among the most talented artists of all time. BrâncuÅŸi 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 BrâncuÅŸi (1876-1957) grew in a peasant family in HobiÅ£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 16th 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.”
„We decided for this year to give two Golden Apple awards, the first one to Byblos, a very famous city in Lebanon, one of the oldest cities, the second to Postojna Cave, a visited place in Europe, in Slovenia. Although we give only two awards a year, this year we decided to make one exception, why. Beacuse I was part of the FIJET delegation that visited your country and I was impressed by the natural beauty of the region, by BrâncuÅŸi, of course, and by the athmosphere of the coties we visited which is unique” – said Starev Plamen (Bulgaria), president of Golden Apple Commission of FIJET. Why did FIJET choose to give this award to Târgu Jiu - City of Constantin Brancusi? „FIJET mission is to promote tourism, to promote diversity of tourism, to contribute to preserve heritage of any country. Târgu Jiu and the Gorj region is a place where you can find all forms of heritage in Romania: culture, art, nature, traditions. I think that the Gorj region and BrâncuÅŸi city show how to preserve heritage in a country. I am proud to come to know your country and I will always encourage those who promote your country heritage” - said Marijana Rebic (Croatia) - General Secretary of FIJET.
At his turn Mohamed Salah Attia (Egipt), vice-president of FIJET, said: “I have lived an unequaled experience here in Targu Jiu. I have learnt a lot about people in Gorj County but also a lot about Romanians in general. I was really impressed by the fact that the event had the support of many volunteers, people that have shown to be devoted, implied, and quality professionals all together. I have appreciated the hospitality of our hosts that talks about the spiritual and historical greatness of the lands that gave Brancusi to the world. At last I have found a model of collaboration between the travel writers and journalists – represented in your country by FIJET Romania-, the private business partners – who’s interests where crystallized by Laura Dragu -, and the local administration, all showing a successful bond of partnerships. Congratulations for the organization of the Golden Apple Award Ceremony, congratulations Targu Jiu, congratulations Romania for your 5th Trophy”.
„We salute the decision announced by Tijani HADDAD, president of FIJET International, to award the town of Constantin BrâncuÅŸi, Tg Jiu in Romania, one of the three apples this year. The same trophy (the equivalent of Oscars, awarded by the International Federation of Journalists and Travel Writers (FIJET) -, has been awarded in 2014 to the Cave Postojna in Slovenia and to the antic city of Byblos in Liban. It’s the 5th Golden Apple to celebrate Romanian tourist attractions. It is the result of more than three years of FIJET Romania activity supported by a partnership with local and national authorities. The Golden Apple award returned to Romania in 1975 for the attractions in Bucovina. The next three prizes were awarded in 2009 to the eco-touristic area Mărginimea Sibiului, Danube Delta Biosphere Reservation, and to Blue Air flying company. I firmly believe that this Award will help the city of Tirgu Jiu to increase the number of tourists in the future” - stated Marian Constantinescu, president of Tourism Press Club - FIJET România.
Tourism Press Club - FIJET ROMANIA