Ceausescu’s megalomaniacal constructions became famous in the world. The dam that cost 60 tons of gold

The constructions made while Nicolae Ceaușescu was at the helm of the Romanian state and continue to last in many cities of the country. Some of them have become world famous for their engineering and size.

Communist leaders competed in construction at a time when the era was booming, but also out of the need to modernize Romania. Thus, world-famous colossal constructions were born. A predominantly agrarian country, the new concepts borrowed from the Soviets and industrialization managed to put Romania on the world map in terms of construction.

Massive industrialization has led to the birth of mega-structures that have become famous all over the world, three of them being in the European and world charts. Among the largest projects is the Iron Gates I Hydropower and Navigation System, which is a real behemoth and also one of the largest in the world.

The design began in the 60’s, with the aim of navigating the Danube but also the production of electricity. Construction began on September 7, 1964, and the Danube Valley was transformed into an accumulation lake, resulting in an area of ​​2 billion cubic meters with a length of 120 kilometers. The work was completed in 1971, and on May 16, 1972, the building was officially inaugurated.

Transfăgărășan is another imposing objective, showing the mastery of the builders. It is known all over the world for its 91 kilometers and its spectacular scenery, reaching an altitude of 2,045 meters. The longest road tunnel in Romania was arranged here, being about Capra-Bâlea with a length of 887 meters.

read and: Ceausescu’s “monsters”: huge trucks exported to Australia

The constructions made by Ceausescu are famous all over the world

In order for this road to be established, 3 million tons of stone were dismantled with the help of 20 tons of dynamite. Construction began in 1970 and was one of Ceausescu’s great ideas. The military, peasants and civilian workers also took part in the construction of the road, currently being considered one of the most impressive roads in the world.

The dams built by Ceausescu are also part of these buildings that have amazed the world. One of the best known is the Vidraru dam, in Argeș county. Its construction began in 1960 and is 14 kilometers long, with an area of ​​870 hectares and a depth of 155 meters.

Also, its height of 166 meters places it on the first place in the top of the highest dams in Romania, on the fifth place in Europe and on the ninth place in the world, at that time. The works were completed in 1966, and the purpose of the dam was to prevent floods and the production of electricity.

Another dam worth mentioning is the one at Stânca Costești in Botoșani County. The dam is located on the Prut River and was created to prevent flooding as well as to produce electricity. The collaboration between Romania and the USSR started the construction in 1971, and the works were completed six years later. The cost of the dam was no less than 60 tons of gold.

read and: Ceausescu and the secret of the most fabulous road in the world. Transfăgărășan, the anti-USSR ambition VIDEO