We have officially opened the Bison House Visitor Centre in Lerești commune, Argeș County. The centre invites both visitors and locals to discover the fascinating world of bison.
Built by Foundation Conservation Carpathia with support from the European Commission through the LIFE+ programme, the Bison House is the second visitor centre in the region, following the first inaugurated in the summer of 2024 in Rucăr. Visitors coming to Lerești have the unique opportunity to learn about the importance of reintroducing bison into their natural habitat. By visiting the interactive exhibition, they will get an in-depth look at this iconic species for Romania and Europe, helping to better understand and appreciate the biodiversity of the Făgăraș Mountains.
The centre’s architecture is inspired by the traditional style of mountain villages and blends perfectly into the landscape. On the exterior, the building’s proportions, the roof made of shingles, and the ornamental details follow the traditions of the area, while the interior combines traditional aesthetics with modern technology, offering an interactive experience on nature. Thus, the centre contributes to the conservation of the cultural identity of the commune and integrates harmoniously into the local landscape. Additionally, the attic of the centre will be used by the community to host educational activities dedicated to nature, as well as screenings of films with the same theme.
The building is sustainable and energy-efficient, equipped with photovoltaic panels and using green energy. The construction was carried out by a local team, using natural materials.
The building, with a total area of 150 square metres, was previously a communal cattle barn. It belongs to the Lerești Town Hall and has been leased to Foundation Conservation Carpathia for the establishment of the Bison Visitor Centre for a period of 25 years.
The Bison House Visitor Centre is an attraction for both children and adults visiting the area. It offers an engaging experience and serves as an invitation to protect nature. The Bison House is part of a network of visitor centres that Foundation Conservation Carpathia aims to develop as part of the infrastructure for the future Făgăraș Mountains National Park. During the first phase, entry to the Bison House will be free, with tickets required for access in the future.
Visiting hours and address:
- Tuesday – Friday: 09:00 – 12:00 and 14:00 – 18:00
- Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 18:00
- Monday: Closed
Address: Str. Teracota – DJ734 148, Voinești village, Lerești Commune, Argeș County
Location on map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PJtAUZBw9seHMsut6
Visitors can park at the nearby Cultural Centre, with the visitor centre just 3 minutes away on foot.
About the project
This activity is part of the LIFE Carpathia project, ‘Creating a Wild Nature Zone in the Southern Carpathian Mountains, Romania’, LIFE18 NAT/RO/00108. The main goal of the project is the restoration of degraded habitats and the implementation of conservation measures that allow the restoration of natural processes while creating benefits for local communities in the Făgăraș Mountains area. The project is being implemented by Foundation Conservation Carpathia in partnership with the Carpathia Forestry Association, Piatra Craiului Făgăraș Conservation Hunting Association, Carpathia Agro & Finance SRL, Conservation Capital Consulting Ltd., Argeș County Gendarmerie – Basarab I, and ProPark – Foundation for Protected Areas, between 2019-2025, with financial support from the European Commission through the LIFE Nature programme (www.ec.europa.eu) and the Arcadia Foundation through the ELSP programme (Endangered Landscapes and Seascapes Programme, www.endangeredlandscapes.org). The content of this material does not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Union.
