# Fântânele

- **Country:** Romania
- **Coordinates:** 46.121700, 21.403100
- **Location Text:** Kövér-Appel Castle

Fântânele is a commune located in Arad County, western Romania, situated on the Vingăi Plateau along the left bank of the Mureș River. Approximately ten kilometers from the city of Arad, the administrative unit comprises two primary villages: Fântânele and Tisa Nouă. Historically known by its German name Engelsbrunn and Hungarian name Angyalkút, the area has deep roots, with Tisa Nouă first documented in 1135 and Fântânele appearing in records by 1457. The region reflects a diverse cultural heritage, having once been home to Danube Swabian communities, and today maintains a mixed population of Romanians, Hungarians, Slovaks, and Germans.

The most notable architectural landmark within the commune is the Kover-Appel castle, which dates back to the 19th century. This historic structure is part of a larger architectural complex that includes a surrounding park, contributing to the locality's designation as an area of national cultural interest. Complementing the castle is the Roman Catholic church dedicated to Îngerul Păzitor, constructed in 1780. These sites stand as testaments to the region's layered history and serve as key points of interest for visitors exploring the Romanian Banat area.

Economically, Fântânele remains predominantly agricultural, with widespread cultivation of grain, technical crops, and fodder plants, alongside vegetable growing and cattle raising. In recent years, the secondary and tertiary economic sectors have also begun to develop, diversifying the local economy beyond traditional farming. While the commune underwent administrative changes in 2004 when several villages were split off to form new entities, it retains its significance as a culturally valuable locality. The preservation of its 19th-century castle and religious structures ensures that Fântânele continues to hold historical importance within Arad County.

![Photo of Fântânele](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9e/Fantanele_jud_Arad.png)

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