Comuna Brădești: Archaeology, Churches and Traditions

A Roman settlement, a fort, a Geto-Dacian fortification and historic churches give Comuna Brădești a distinct cultural and historical character. Its history can be encountered in different forms: as an archaeological site, a dated church and a historic place-name recorded in a document. Răcarii de Jos, Brădești, Brădeștii Bătrâni, Valea Rea and Tatomirești each have their own historical associations. When planning your trip, it helps to match names and dates carefully: a year may refer to a settlement, a fortification, a church or its predecessor building.

Roman Settlement and Fort

The Roman settlement at Răcarii de Jos is located 150 metres southwest of Răcari CFR railway station and dates to the 2nd century AD. The Roman fort at Răcari is located at Răcari CFR railway station. Four construction phases are documented for the fort at Răcarii de Jos: two in earth and two in stone. It dates to the early Roman Imperial period of the 2nd century. The dates of the two Roman remains overlap; for the fort, the construction phases are also distinguished by their materials. The fort is also 2 kilometres from the Jiu River, by the bridge at Scăiești. Its date, building materials and location provide concrete starting points for exploring the Roman past.

Archaeological Sites near Valea Rea

Near Valea Rea in Brădeștii Bătrâni is an archaeological area called “Cetate,” dating to the 2nd–4th centuries AD. The Cetatea dacică de la Brădeşti - Valea Rea is a Geto-Dacian fortification.

Churches and Historical Dates

In Brădești, the Biserica „Sf. Ioan Botezătorul“ is dated to 1825. In Brădeștii Bătrâni stands the Orthodox Biserica „Sf. Arhanghel Mihail“; it is dated to 1751 and stands on the site of a wooden church from 1651. The two dates associated with Sf. Arhanghel Mihail therefore refer to the dated church and its predecessor building. Meanwhile, 1825 is the date assigned to the church in Brădești. Tatomirești is also documented in a charter issued by Constantin Brâncoveanu in 1700. These archaeological and church dates are complemented by different kinds of historical reference: the development of a church on a site and the documentary mention of a place.

Căluș Tradition and Trip Planning

A Sărbătoarea Călușului was announced for 2026 in Brădeștii Bătrâni. The event is associated with Rusalii and includes the ritual Căluș dance. This gives cultural history a specific event to connect with, alongside the longer time periods represented by the archaeological and church sites. If you would like to plan your trip around a cultural event, check the date and programme for your travel period.

Tailor your search for hotels in Comuna Brădești to the purpose of your trip. The dates and place-names can also help you distinguish between the historical topics and choose what you would like to explore during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Răcarii de Jos, Comuna Malu Mare, Comuna Rojiște.

For the broader travel overview: Dolj.