Skirting the rains and enjoying the scenic road, we arrived into Targu Jiu with thunder booming and ominous clouds rolling in. However, Targu Jiu was a definite stop no matter the weather.

It was home to international sculptor, Constantin Brancusi (1876-1957) who is a personal favorite of ours. Having seen his works in the National Art Gallery in DC and the Met in NYC, it was an amazing experience to view his pieces outdoors and be able to touch them!

He dedicated the four works in the memory of those who died in WW II (1937-8). In the Central Park are Brancusi’s three works – Gate of the Kiss (Poarta Sarutului), Alley of Chairs (Aleea Scaunelor), Table of Silence (Masa Tacerii).

The Gate of Kiss was to commemorate the reunification of Romania. It bears a striking resemblance to Bucharest’s Triumphal Arch and has folk art designs from his native Oltenia.

The Alley of Chairs is composed of small stone stools grouped in threes.

The Table of Silence has 12 stools circling a large table, representing the months of the year.

Alone in another park, the Endless Column (Coloana Fara Sfarsit) stood at almost 30 meters tall with its 15 steel beads. We read that the Column is one of the planet’s top 100 art pieces. It was restored in 2000 for $4 million Euros.

For the art enthusiast, Tg. Jiu is a must-see! – BGR & HSR