Dascălu: Local history and the landscape of the Vlăsia Plain

Dascălu can be understood through two questions: What historical points of reference are there in the village, and what is the landscape of the commune like? The answers include the 17th-century church and the monument to those who fell in the First World War, as well as the flat Vlăsia Plain, bodies of water and forests.

The church and the history of remembrance

In the village of Dascălu stands the church “Cuvioasa Paraschiva,” which dates from the 17th century and is one of the local tourist attractions. It has two patron saints: “Cuvioasa Paraschiva” and “Adormirea Maicii Domnului.” The building thus combines historical age with two religious dedications.

Another point of reference is the monument to the heroes who fell in the First World War. It was erected in 1920 in honour of local residents who had taken part in the First World War. The church and the monument represent different historical themes: religious heritage and remembrance of the war and the residents of Dascălu.

A document on local history

The oldest historical record of Dascălu’s existence is an extract from the State Archives dating to 1765. It states that the Dascălu estate was assigned to the Sfântul Pantelimon Monastery and a hospital for poor patients. This entry offers a different view of the past from the church and monument: it records the assignment of the estate and the two institutions associated with it.

In chronological terms, the church, which dates from the 17th century, predates the 1765 archival document; the monument was added in 1920. Together, these three points of reference lead from the religious building through the historical record to the later place of remembrance.

The commune’s landscape

The commune of Dascălu lies in the Vlăsia Plain and is predominantly flat. Its elevations range from 80 to 85 metres, and its slopes are gentle. Together, these details describe flat terrain in which the plain is more prominent than significant changes in elevation.

The commune’s watercourse network includes the Mostiștea Valley and the Runcu stream. The floodplains of the Mostiștea Valley are considered a habitat for numerous aquatic plant and animal species. Forests in the north and south of the commune are home to various tree and plant species. The landscape can therefore be viewed in terms of three aspects: flat terrain, waterways with floodplains, and wooded areas. The “Drumului Mocanilor” route passes through the commune of Dascălu.

The church in Gagu

There is a separate church site in Gagu, not in the village of Dascălu: the wooden church “Sfântul Dumitru” stands there. It is dedicated to Sfântul Dimitrie Izvorâtorul de Mir, has the status of a historic monument, and is considered to have retained its original form. The two churches thus differ in the features described: Dascălu’s church is notable for its 17th-century structure and two patron saints; the church in Gagu for its wooden construction, dedication and monument status.

Discover more destinations: Dudu, Rudeni, Roșu, Dimieni, Afumați, Mogoşoaia, Buftea, Bragadiru.

For the broader travel overview: Ilfov.