Romania's First Nuclear Research Reactor Begins Operation in 1957

On 31 July 1957 the VVR‑S‑60 research reactor at the Institute of Atomic Physics in Măgurele was switched on, marking the launch of Romania’s first nuclear research reactor and the first of its kind in Southeast Europe. The reactor was built by a Romanian‑Soviet team using a design and fuel supplied by the Soviet Union.

The same calendar entry also notes that the town of Piatra‑Neamţ was first documented on 31 July 1431, when Prince Alexandru cel Bun granted lands to the Bistriţa Monastery, and that the city’s name was later extended to distinguish it from other settlements called “Piatra”.