city, capital of Vâlcea judeţ (county), south-central Romania, on the Olt River. Documented as a town in the late 14th century, it was a local market town during the Middle Ages. Historical buildings in the city include the house of Anton Pann, folklorist and writer, and the local museum, with art and history sections. Since World War II Râmnicu Vâlcea has grown rapidly with new industries, including factories producing chemicals, processing timber, and making oil-drilling machinery. Pop. (2007 est.) 111,342.