# Carașova

- **Country:** Romania
- **Coordinates:** 45.166582, 21.910683
- **Location Text:** Turk's Fortress (''Turski Grad'')

Carașova is a historic commune located in Caraș-Severin County within the Banat region of southwestern Romania. Situated in a mountainous area along the upper course of the Caraș River, it lies approximately 15 kilometers from the city of Reșița and serves as a gateway to the Semenic-Cheile Carașului National Park. The administrative unit comprises three distinct villages: Carașova, Iabalcea, and Nermed. While often associated with fortifications due to its Hungarian name Krassóvár, the site is primarily recognized today as a cultural settlement rather than a standalone castle structure, deeply rooted in the unique heritage of the Krashovani people, a specific group of Croatian inhabitants who have maintained their distinct identity for centuries.

The historical significance of Carașova stems from its demographic uniqueness, as it remains one of the few places in Romania where Croats form the overwhelming majority. According to 2011 census data, nearly 77 percent of the population identifies as Croatian, with the majority speaking Croatian as their first language. This enduring cultural presence dates back to medieval migrations, creating a fascinating linguistic and ethnographic enclave within the Carpathian basin. The area reflects a blend of Central European and Balkan influences, evident in its traditional architecture and local customs, which have been preserved despite surrounding political changes over the centuries.

Today, Carașova functions as an active residential commune with a population of just over 3,000 residents. The local economy and community life are closely tied to agriculture and the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. While no specific medieval castle building currently dominates the skyline as a tourist attraction, the entire settlement acts as a living monument to the Krashovani history. Visitors are drawn to the area for its proximity to national park hiking trails and the opportunity to experience a rare minority culture that has thrived in isolation. The commune maintains an official local administration website, indicating ongoing efforts to preserve its heritage while managing modern municipal needs.

![Photo of Carașova](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1e/Iabalcea_-_Caras-Severin1.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carașova (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)