Unveiling the Tale of the Trovants: Innovative Interactive Visitor Center Debuts in Romania's UNESCO Geopark Tinutul Buzaului
In the heart of Romania's picturesque village of Bozioru, nestled within the UNESCO Global Geopark Ținutul Buzăului, a modern and immersive visitor center named Povestea Trovanților, or The Trovants' Story, has recently opened its doors to the public.
This innovative facility offers a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the region's rich geological and cultural heritage, using cutting-edge technology and storytelling. The center, which officially opened on July 9, 2025, is a testament to over a decade of collaboration between the Geopark and the local community.
The Trovants' Story is an outstanding example of grassroots partnership, with the project realised with minimal investment, relying largely on donations and local craftsmanship. The center is housed in a repurposed former tourist information center, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.
The center's unique features include two main exhibition halls, an interactive "talking stones" experience, and life-sized reconstructions of prehistoric animals.
Upon entering the first hall, visitors are guided through the geological evolution of the area over millions of years, focusing on the mysterious stone formations known as trovants. The hall is enhanced by augmented reality (AR) and multimedia displays, offering insights into the prehistoric ecosystem and its connection to the current cultural heritage.
The second hall showcases life-sized reconstructions of the animals that once roamed the area approximately 12 million years ago. These include ancestors of giraffes, rhinoceroses, elephants, monkeys, and bears, all brought to life with vivid displays and AR, creating an engaging educational environment especially suitable for families and children.
The center's interactive "talking stones" experience allows visitors to engage with six trovants and "converse" with them using AR. This interaction reveals the geological evolution of the area, including how ancient seas covered the region before retreating to form mountain ranges and the distinctive rock formations found today.
The Trovants' Story visitor center provides a modern and immersive experience into the region's unique geological and cultural past. It is open to visitors from Wednesday to Sunday, between 10:00 and 17:00. For more information about the center, visitors can find updates on its Instagram and TikTok pages.
Ținutul Buzăului is now part of an international network of around 230 territories focusing on education, research, tourism, and economic development in harmony with the environment. The Geopark is a sustainable development initiative that draws on expertise from various sectors, promoting the planet's billion-year-old history.
Since obtaining UNESCO Global Geopark status in 2022, the partners have continued to work together, ensuring the protection and celebration of this remarkable region for generations to come. The Trovants' Story visitor center is a shining example of this commitment to preservation and education.
- At The Trovants' Story visitor center, you can explore the interlink between science, environmental-science, and technology as you delve into the geological evolution of the region using cutting-edge AR and multimedia technology.
- As part of Tinutul Buzaului's initiatives promoting sustainable development in harmony with the environment, they conduct extensive research in various scientific fields such as geology, environmental science, and technology, contributing to the global network of Geoparks.
