Piatra Neamț is a municipality located in northeastern Romania, on the valley of the Bistrița River. With a population of 125,842 inhabitants in 1992 and 107,126 inhabitants in 2008, this city is the administrative center of Neamț County. From an industrial perspective, Piatra Neamț ranks as the second industrial center of the county, immediately after Roman. After 2005, the city experienced significant economic growth, also becoming the capital of the Northeast Development Region.
History
Archaeological discoveries and historical documents reveal that the surrounding region of Piatra Neamț has been inhabited since the Mesolithic period, around 12,000 BC. The oldest settlement discovered was identified at Poiana Cireșului, and evidence of the past, such as fragments of pottery and flint tools belonging to the Cucuteni civilization, has been found in other areas such as Cozla, Darmanesti, Batca Doamnei, Ciritei, and others. The city of Piatra Neamț has a long history, illustrated by the fortified settlements of the Geto-Dacians at Batca Doamnei, Cozla, and Calu, dating back to the 1st century BC. Historical mentions and ancient writings also bring up the name Petrodava. As we approach more recent times, we find other evidence of the existence of the region that includes Piatra Neamț, in chronicles such as the Russian Chronicle (1387-1392) and in documents attesting to the existence of Bistrița Monastery. From internal documents, we mention the act of July 31, 1431, by which Alexandru cel Bun donated two apiaries and a house in Piatra to Bistrița Monastery, and in 1453, the city receives the status of a princely fair. The evolution of rural settlements led to the formation, starting from the second half of the 14th century, of the first urban centers: Piatra lui Crăciun, Roman, and Neamț. Over time, the fair of Piatra Neamț gained increased importance, also due to the establishment of a Princely Court in this area.
