Snagov (population: 7,272) is a commune, located north of Bucharest, in Ilfov County, Muntenia, Romania. According to the 2011 census, 92% of the population is ethnic Romanian. The commune is composed of five villages: Ciofliceni, Ghermănești, Snagov, Tâncăbești, and Vlădiceasca. Snagov is a tourist and spa resort, but the necessary infrastructure has regressed after 1989. Name The name "Snagov" is probably of Slavic origin, either from the word sneg (meaning "snow") or snaga (meaning "strength"). Geography Snagov is located on the Wallachian Plain, on the shore of Lake Snagov (biggest natural lake in Romania: 600 hectares; 2¼ sq. mi., 16 km; 10 miles long), which is still partially surrounded by old oak forest (remnants of Codrii Vlăsiei). History Antiquity Archaeologists confirmed human presence of inhabitants since 400 BC. Early Medieval history and the feudal estate Snagov village was built around Lake Snagov and Snagov Monastery, founded in the late 14th century on an islet in Lake Snagov, about north of Snagov village. The first written record of it is found in a document from the court of Mircea cel Bătrân and dated 1408. The Modern settlement Snagov monastery was excavated in 1933 by archaeologist Dinu V. Rosetti. Tourism Cultural attractions include the Snagov Monastery, Snagov Palace, several monuments, the Snagov Museum, a set of four local traditions (fishing, braiding of vegetable fibers, pottery, traditional fabrics). Natural attractions are associated with two protected natural areas, Snagov Lake (100–150 ha; approx. 300 acres) and Snagov Forest (10 ha; 25 acres), which are included in the Snagov Natural Complex Reserve. With an area of 1,147.7 ha (4½ sq. mi.), the nature reserve was established in 1952 and includes all the forests on the shore of the lake. Also in Snagov one can find a Tourist Information Center, a Rental Center (bicycles, kayaks), a Biodiversity Center, and a site with the entire Snagov Eco-tourism Offer (attractions, activities, circuits, audio guides, etc.) Events 25 June 1933: The National Celebration of Water day, with King Carol II, Michael I, Nicolae Iorga, Iuliu Maniu, Dimitrie Gusti, Grigore Antipa and many other top officials, as well as Liga Navală Română, Cercetașii României and representatives of the local community in attendance. This is the reason for celebrating the day of Lake Snagov on June 25, when Romanians also celebrate "Sânzienele/Drăgaica". 23 August 1944: Ion Antonescu left Snagov Palace in order to go to Bucharest at the request of King