Malu between local history and natural landscape

Malu brings together local history and a protected river landscape whose significance extends beyond the village. The Orthodox Church of Sf. Ioan Botezătorul is in the village; south of the village exit lies the Malu–Foişorul Turcului archaeological site. The Cama-Dinu-Păsărica nature reserve includes the village itself, while other protected areas and waterways lie in the nearby or wider surroundings. If you are considering Malu as a destination, it is worth distinguishing between these geographical layers: local history, protected landscape and individual observations of waterways describe different aspects of a stay.

Protected Areas and River Landscape

The Cama-Dinu-Păsărica nature reserve covers 2,400 hectares and includes Malu. Its habitats include oak, ash and elm forests, as well as gallery-like willow and poplar forests. Water lilies and reeds grow in wet hollows. The area also includes the islands of Cama, Dinu and Păsărica, as well as the floodable area between the embankment and the riverbank. Its natural landscape therefore ranges from several types of forest to wet hollows, islands and a floodable riverbank area.

The ROSCI0088 Gura Vedei–Șaica–Slobozia protected area lies in the wider region. It is situated in the lower Vedea basin, within the Lower Danube floodplain, and covers the area between the embankment and the riverbank. Cama-Dinu-Păsărica includes Malu; ROSCI0088 is associated with the lower Vedea basin and the Lower Danube floodplain. The two protected-area designations therefore refer to different landscape areas.

Archaeology and Local History

The Malu–Foişorul Turcului archaeological site includes a Dridu settlement dating from the 9th to 11th centuries. Traces of pit houses from the 18th and 19th centuries have also been preserved there; they are considered remnants of Malu’s old village settlement. The condition of these remains is precarious. Two historical periods meet here: the earlier Dridu settlement and the later remnants of the old village. For orientation, the site is about 390 metres south of the village exit, to the left of the DN5C road towards Vedea and on a Danube terrace. It is therefore outside the village exit, while the Sf. Ioan Botezătorul Church is in the village.

The Orthodox Church of Sf. Ioan Botezătorul is listed in the national register of religious buildings and dates to 1844. According to local tradition, Malu was founded around 7 August 1445, but no official document confirms this date. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Malu was incorporated into the Giurgiu raia. These historical points of reference thus range from a founding tradition and an earlier administrative affiliation to a 19th-century church building.

Waterways and Different Interests

A dated account of activities on the water comes from 18 September 2024: as part of Via Danubiana, the Vedea–Malu waterway was travelled. Two wild sandy beaches were discovered on the same trip. The observations about the beaches refer to that trip; conditions and access may vary. If you are considering a visit, check conditions and access in advance.

Nearby is Gura Canalului Cama, where the tributary meets the main course. The area is considered a spot for catching predatory fish such as asp and zander. The Cama-Dinu tributary also lies opposite Malu and has calmer water. The two waterways therefore differ in their described characteristics: Gura Canalului Cama is notable for the confluence and predatory fish, while Cama-Dinu is noted for its location opposite Malu and calmer water. This helps you distinguish fishing from the different waterways as separate interests.

Discover more destinations: Banesti, Călugăreni, Greaca, Varlaam, Daia, Giurgiu, Izvoarele, Potlogi

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