September marked an important event in the history of the famous Transfăgărășan, a road known as the most beautiful in all of Romania. The 50th anniversary of its inauguration. This moment brought to light a series of facts that are worth remembering for a long time to come.

Here are 5 things to (re)discover about the Transfăgărășan on its 50th anniversary.

1. The BBC Top Gear team tested cars here

The road gained international fame, especially in 2009, when the Top Gear team from the BBC, consisting of the famous Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May, tested three high-speed cars on the Transfăgărășan. Romania received much praise at that time, especially due to the complexity of the route. "This is the best road in the world! Romania, thank you for having this road. Can we stay here forever?" exclaimed journalist Jeremy Clarkson at the end of the show, as recently quoted by economica.net.

2. Over 2,000 Meters in Altitude

The road is even more spectacular due to its height as it is situated at an altitude of 2,042 meters. However, it is only the second-highest road in Romania, after the Transalpina (which reaches 2,145 meters).
If you haven’t been yet, the road starts in the village of Arefu, in Argeș County, at kilometer 61 of DN7C, and ends in the village of Cârțișoara (Sibiu County), at the intersection with DN1.
The road, therefore, connects two historical regions, Muntenia and Transylvania.

3. Inaugurated in 1974, but Completed in 1980

An interesting aspect of the road’s history is that the official inauguration took place on September 20, 1974, but the works were officially not completed until 1980.
"In the fall of 1974, the brigadiers reported the completion of the Transfăgărășan road, and on September 20, it was inaugurated. Various works and asphalting continued for another six years, until 1980, but the construction had to be reported as finished, in the spirit of the times," wrote Digi24.
Construction began in 1970, initiated by Nicolae Ceaușescu.

4. It Was Built as a Strategic Road

The idea for constructing this road came after the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia by Soviet troops when it was realized that a strategic road was needed to connect the garrisons of Pitești and Sibiu.

5. It Is a Major Tourist Attraction in the Country

Last, but not least, the Transfăgărășan is a gateway to many extraordinary tourist attractions.
Nearby is the Făgăraș National Park, where you can hike on stunning trails and enjoy the beauty of the wild nature. Moreover, Bâlea Lake is also in the area, located at an altitude of 2,034 meters, it is a glacial lake with a spectacular view. Here you can find lodging in cabins and go on mountain trails.

Thus, Romania is a country full of history worth discovering, along with the places that make it such a special country.