Uricani

Uricani (Hungarian Urikány or Hobicaurikány ) is a town in Hunedoara County in Romania.

Location

Uricani lies on the River Jiul de Vest (Western Shield ) in the Jiu Valley mining district between the mountains Retezat in the north and in the south Valcan. The district capital Deva is about 110 kilometers (approx. 65 km ) by air north of Uricani away.

History

Uricani is a relatively late established settlement probably existed since the late 18th century. 1818, it was under the name Hobiceni - Uricani (Hungarian Hobiczény és Felső Urikány ) first mentioned. The first settlers were Romanians who came from the villages Hobita and Uric around Haţeg and named the new settlement after their home towns. Initially forestry and animal husbandry were the main industries. Soon, however, the mining played a prominent role on hard coal and brown coal. 1857 a coking plant was put into operation. The rapid economic development has led to a rapid population increase. As a result of the First World War the place of Austria - Hungary came to Romania and received the official name Uricani. After the Second World War, the coal mining was intensified again. 1965 Uricani received the status of a city. The economic upheaval after the revolution in 1989 led to the closure of part of the coal mines and made many miners unemployed.

Today, the city is alive except by mining and agriculture mainly from trade and tourism.

Population

1850 were in the region of today's 615 residents registered, of which 461 lived in Uricani, the remaining 154 in the now incorporated villages. 609 were Romanians and six Roma. By 1992, a significant population increase was recorded ( 12,835 ). As of the 2002 census lived in Uricani 10,227 people, including 9,222 in the city proper, and 1,005 in the local villages. 9,719 identified themselves as Romanians, Hungarians and 435 as 47 as Roma.

Traffic

Uricani is located on the National Road (drum National) DN 66 and has a rail connection, which, however, only on freight traffic. There are regular bus services to Petrosani.

Attractions

• Scenic environment ( Retezat Mountains and Valcan )

Uricani, in the background Valcan Mountains