Discover Breaza: Churches, Monuments and Hiking Trails

Breaza lies on a terrace 50 to 60 metres above the Prahova River, at an elevation of 480 to 600 metres. At the same time, the town is relatively sheltered from the heavy road traffic in the Prahova Valley. Churches, monuments and hiking destinations offer different ways to shape your stay: explore local history through its buildings, or devote your time to trails and scenic spots.

Breaza can be reached by road via the DN1 (E60). It is also possible to arrive by train on the Bucharest–Brașov railway line; check current connections before you travel.

Churches from several building periods

The Biserica Sf. Nicolae in Breaza de Jos is a church and cemetery site dating from 1777. The Biserica Sfântul Nicolae in Breaza de Sus is also dated to 1777; it preserves interior frescoes, exterior decorations and a shingle roof. It is considered the town’s oldest historic monument. The similar names are easy to distinguish by the additions de Jos and de Sus.

The Biserica din Capu Câmpului is dedicated to “Schimbarea la Faţă” (the Transfiguration). The stone building was erected in 1892 on the site of a small wooden church dating from around 1800. This makes it possible to see the sequence of different building periods through specific examples: two churches dated 1777 and a later stone building that replaced an older wooden church.

Monuments and traditions

The Poarta Brâncoveanu marks the entrance to Parcul Brâncoveanu and also appears on the coat of arms of the town of Breaza. The Monumentul Celor Trei Regi was erected in 1934 by Ion T. Aldea in the modernist style of the period. Another memorial, the Monumentul Eroilor din Breaza de Jos, was created by sculptor Emil Becker. The gate and monuments offer different points of entry into the history of architecture and the town.

The Conacul Basarab-Brâncoveanu is in central Breaza. Now a ruin, it bears witness to the town’s history. It is privately owned and cannot be visited.

Textile crafts are also part of the local culture. The “Crețul” collar is specific to Muntenia; its firmly established technique is passed down strictly from generation to generation. The post-war Ia de Breaza emerged after the “Arta Casnica” cooperative was founded in 1948 and features a more stylised pattern. Together, a traditional production technique and a post-war pattern form represent different examples of regional textile tradition.

Historically, the Târgul de Toamnă (Autumn Fair) was directly linked to the centuries-old pastoral economy of the people of Breaza. Products sold at the fair included Brânză de burduf, sheep’s and cow’s telemea, Urdă, Pastramă and smoked mutton sausages.

Hiking destinations and landscapes

Hiking destinations include the Crucea Eroilor on Dealul Gurga and Dealul Sinoiu; the trail to Dealul Lazului starts in Talea. The Crucea Eroilor was erected in 1929 at an elevation of 743 metres in memory of Breaza’s war heroes. The hike to the monument therefore also leads to a place of remembrance.

A striking destination in the landscape is the Fagul Prințesei, a centuries-old beech tree in a clearing on the left bank of the Târsa stream, in Pădurea Cheia Proviţei. The route there is marked with a red triangle, takes five hours and is considered moderately difficult. Check trail conditions before setting out.

A row of pine trees planted in the 19th century by the then owners of the Breaza estate, the Bibescu-Brâncoveanu family, offers sweeping views south over the town and north towards the upper Târsa basin. The two directions of view create a vivid contrast between the town and the upper basin.

A trail to Dealul cu Trovanti leads from the tourist information centre via Ocinei, Col. Popovici, Sunatorii and Moldovei streets, as well as through the Ograda neighbourhood. It is also accessible by off-road vehicle or bicycle. As access conditions can change, check them before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Măneciu-Ungureni, Băicoi, Surani, Chițorani, Aluniş, Valea Călugărească, Slănic, Drăgăneasa.

For the overview of the wider region: Prahova.