Baia Mare is a city located towards the northern region of Romania, within the County of Maramures. This city covers a land area of approximately 235,000 km2 and is composed by several smaller towns or settlements, among which we can name Firiza, Valea Borcutului, Valea Neagra, and Blidari. Due to its history and commercial activities, Baia Mare is considered to be one of the most important cities in its country and is therefore a must for all those tourists who approach to the northern region during a vacation in Romania.
The city of Baia Mare counts with a very diverse ethnic composition, being inhabited by Romanians, Hungarians, Romans and Germans among others. In total, the population of this city is of about 138,000 inhabitants, among which a significant percentage is Hungarian, being this one of the most important Hungarian communities in the country.
Baia Mare already was an important city as long ago as in the Bronze Age. During those times and according to archaeological discoveries brought into light in this area, this city and its surroundings were a central spot for the Thracians. Besides this, this region of Romania also was inhabited by Geto Dacians and Dacians, being for a long time part of the Dacian State.
Towards middles of the 15th century, Baia Mare and its mines were given to the Hunyadi family in gratitude to their help fighting against the Turks, who during that époque were trying to invade the region. It might also be interesting to know that during that époque, the Saint Stephen cathedral and its tower, some of the most interesting constructions this city has had, was built.
During the 17th century, Baia Mare became part of the Principality of Transylvania, and its name was changed to Nagybanya. Between the years 1919 and 1940, this city became part of the Kingdom of Romania, but then, for 5 years, it passed to be part of Hungary. After the Treaty of Paris, this city finally became part of Romania again, being first part of the region of Baia Mare, then to the region of Maramures, and finally to the Maramures County as known nowadays.