Discover Belciugatele

Belciugatele combines a clearly identified focal point in the village with historical evidence from the commune. The parish church of Adormirea Maicii Domnului stands in the center, on the main road. Other points of interest include archaeological sites near Măriuța and Matara, as well as the landscape zone between the Vlăsiei Plains to the west and the Mostiștea area to the east. At Candeasca Lakes, anglers can choose from three ponds with different rules. When planning, it is useful to distinguish between the village center and the wider commune.

The parish church in the village center

The parish church of Adormirea Maicii Domnului is located in the center of Belciugatele village, on the main road. It has a single-nave floor plan, with a single tower rising above the naos. “Single-nave” describes the layout of the church interior. Naos refers to its central area; the reference to the tower also specifies the position of the building’s single tower. The church thus provides a concrete architectural point of reference for understanding the village center.

The interior and exterior paintings were restored in 1998–1999 by the painter Duță Petre. This restoration adds a dated phase in the church’s decorative history to its architectural features. Together, the layout and the restored paintings can be understood as two distinct aspects of the church building.

Fishing at Candeasca Lakes

Candeasca Lakes offers a choice of three fishing ponds: two are designated for fishing with the catch retained, and one for catch-and-release. In practical terms, the two ponds are intended for keeping the catch, while the single pond is for catching and releasing fish.

The pond grounds include a gravel access road, customer parking, fishing spots with shelters, and spots with huts. There are also designated barbecue areas; electricity and lighting are available throughout the pond grounds. The facilities therefore include a range of areas for different activities, from fishing spots to barbecue areas. Check Candeasca Lakes’ current operating conditions before traveling.

Archaeological evidence in the commune

Traces of a settlement dating to the 4th century AD were discovered in the commune, on the left bank of the Mostiștea, one kilometer south of Măriuța. The traces were overlain by a Dridu-type settlement. The findings therefore include a specific location and two settlement phases related to one another.

Near the Mostiștea River, north of the village of Mataraua in Belciugatele commune, there is a settlement from the La Tène period at Matara. Together with the find near Măriuța, this provides a chronological comparison between a La Tène settlement and the traces from the 4th century AD, with the Dridu settlement above them.

Landscape setting

Belciugatele commune lies in the transition zone between the Vlăsiei Plains to the west and the Mostiștea area to the east. This west-to-east description complements the precise locations associated with the archaeological evidence by providing a broader landscape perspective. It places the commune in its regional context, while Măriuța and Matara identify the specific locations of the settlement finds.

Discover more destinations: Budesti, Olteniţa, Ciocănești, Frăsinetu de Jos, Călăraşi, Cuza Voda

Back to the main travel overview: Călăraşi.