BISTRITA-NASAUD

judet (county), northern Romania, occupying an area of 2,048 sq mi (5,305 sq km). The forested Eastern Carpathian Mountains, including the Rodna and Caliman Massifs, rise above the settlement areas in intermontane valleys. The Caliman Massif (6,896 ft ) is the largest one of volcanic origin in Romania. The Somesul Mare and its tributaries, including the Tibles and Illisua rivers, flow southwestward through the county. Bistrita is the county capital. Neolithic remains and Bronze Age tombs were found in Bistrita city, and remains of a Dacian citadel are in Saratel town. Agricultural activities consist mostly of wine growing and livestock raising. Wood and pulp products are manufactured in Bistrita, Nasaud, and Ilva-Mica. Building materials are produced in Bistrita and Sngeorz-Bai. Pyrite has been mined near Rodna since the 15th century. Rodna is a tourist centre for the picturesque Lake Lala, Vintului Valley, and Mount Ineu (7,809 ft). Brgaul village, the centre of a substantial folk-art community, is situated near the pyramid-shaped Mount Henuil Mare (5,289 ft). Cosbuc town is named for the poet Gheorghe Cosbuc (18661918), who was born there. Beclean, Nasaud, and Rodna towns are noted for the architecture of their churches. A museum in Nasaud contains medieval weapons, ceramics, and money; and Reteag town has a museum devoted to Ion Pop Reteagul (18531905), a folktale chronicler and collector of folk art. Major highway and railway connections parallel the Somesul Mare and Bistrita rivers. Pop. (1990 est.) 329,700.