A Legacy of Strength and Heritage

SPOKE continues to profile the iconic steel towns that touch our lives at GFG, as we now turn towards Galati, and look at the city and community at the heart of steelmaking history.

Galati is one of the most important socio-economic centres in Romania; it is the place where tradition and culture merge with innovation to shape a strong community.

Situated on the Danube, the second longest river in Europe, Galati has been an important European commercial-river artery for a long time. The local economy has been built around industry – and now LIBERTY Galati represents the heart of the industry. Evidence of human settlement here at Galati dates back to the Iron Age. Developed on the foundations of an ancient Dacian settlement, Galati has evolved constantly, representing a real force in the regional economy.

With its first documented mention dating back to 1445, Galati emerged as a prominent port, playing a significant role in both internal and Polish-Turkish trade. Despite facing adversities such as being razed by Russian armies during the Russo-Turkish war of 1789–1791, and later, enduring bombings in World War II, with much of the historic centre destroyed, Galati persevered, with trade and navigation continuing to flourish.

LIBERTY Galati – every family in Galati has a relative who worked or works in the company

The decision to build a Steel Plant at Galaţi was initially discussed in 1958, but the decision to build wasn’t finally taken until 1960. Construction started in July 1961 and the first production milestone, a Heavy Plate Mill, was inaugurated two years later. Fully integrated production started in July 1968, when all the major production sites were completed, with the first batch produced by The Steel Melting Shop no.1. Now, LIBERTY Galati is the largest integrated steel producer in Romania, a pillar of the national and local economy with a positive impact on around 35,000 jobs across the Romanian value chain. For the community of Galati, LIBERTY Galati provides a living for thousands of families, is involved in the education of the new generation, and is an active member of the community.

LIBERTY Galati sponsors the local football team SC Otelul Galati and has supported initiatives such as the repainting of the church located on the company’s premises. Collaborating with the GFG Foundation, LIBERTY Galati has also initiated several education programs for students, including a dual education programme at a local high school.

Discover Galati’s Cultural Attractions

Galati offers a range of captivating attractions for visitors to explore:

The Promenade – Europe’s longest promenade along the Danube – measuring about 4 kilometers, is a splendid attraction for tourists.

The Public Garden, a perfect place to relax, the favorite place for children and pensioners, but especially for students who have their dorm complex nearby.

Botanical Garden, a spectacular place with over 250,000 specimens of trees, shrubs, and flowers.

Fortified Church of St. Precista – Built of stone and brick in 1643-1647, during the reign of Vasile Lupu, the Fortified Church of St. Precista is a beautiful destination for tourists.

Archiepiscopal Cathedral – A symbol of this settlement in south-eastern Romania, the Archiepiscopal Cathedral of Galati, dedicated to “Saint Andrew and Saint Nicholas”, was built between 1906 and 1917.

Food and Cuisine

The traditional cuisine of Galati and, in general, of the South-East region is based on fish. Salad of roe, fish soup with onions, fish borscht, carp brine with mince, marinated scabbard fish are just some of the culinary delights of the area. Every year, in Galati, the Mackerel Festival is organized, where lovers of fish-based food from all over the country come to the city to taste the traditional delicacies.

Sports – Galati’s Pride

Galati takes great pride in its sporting achievements across a number of sports.

1. Football – SC Otelul Galati: LIBERTY Galati has been associated with SC Oțelul since 1964 when the club was formed to represent the steelworks founded at that time and has been involved in the construction of the ground since 1979. The company has remained a proud sponsor of the club for 48 years, supporting it to its greatest achievements – from UEFA Intertoto Cup to Romanian Super Cup champion.Last year, LIBERTY and GFG Foundation signed a partnership with SC Oțelul Galați, whereby we became official sponsors of the most prestigious football club in the region.
2. Boxing: Galati’s boxing history boasts legendary names such as Sandu Petrescu and Panait Ionel. In the professional arena, Lucian Bute, a multiple world champion, and Cristian Ciocan, a world amateur champion and European professional champion, continue to write their own chapters.
3. Volleyball: CSU Metal Galati’s women’s volleyball team has secured three National Championship and Romanian Cup titles in 2006-2007, 2007-2008, and 2008-2009.