Vâlcea: Monasteries, Ceramics and Hiking Trails

The wide range of themes for a trip to Vâlcea includes culture, crafts, nature and wine.

Monasteries, museums and traces of history

The village of Romanii de Jos is part of the town of Horezu; the Hurezi Monastery is located there. Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu founded it in 1690. It is considered a masterpiece of the Brâncovenesc style and is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Măldărești Museum Complex comprises the restored buildings Cula Duca and Cula Greceanu, which have been converted into museums. The tower of Cula Greceanu dates back to 1516 and is considered the oldest of its kind in Romania. The Roman fort of Arutela tells the story of a different era: a unit of Syrian archers built it in the 2nd century AD under Emperor Hadrian as part of the Roman defensive system. Visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins.

Peștera Liliecilor also combines natural and cultural features: it is known for its bat colonies and diverse limestone formations, and contains two old churches. Salt sculptures are on display at Salina Ocnele Mari. A prayer room is decorated with icons carved from salt and other salt features. The complex also has play and recreation areas and sports grounds; check the current status of the facilities before visiting.

The Muzeul Satului Vâlcean open-air museum is in Bujoreni, on the outskirts of the city of Râmnicu Vâlcea. The museum comprises 27 traditional homesteads and three wooden churches. It showcases activities such as woodworking, ironworking, weaving, pottery and beekeeping, and regularly hosts festivals and educational workshops. If you are visiting for a particular event, check its date before your trip.

Ceramics and winemaking traditions

Horezu ceramics are handmade in the northern part of Vâlcea County. Recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, they are considered a unique traditional craft, with knowledge and skills passed down through generations. The clay used for traditional ceramics in Vâlcea County is sourced at Dealul Ulmului.

Muzeul Viei și Vinului offers an archaeological perspective on the history of winemaking: its archaeology hall displays Neolithic clay vessels and Dacian and Roman ceramic fragments that were used to store wine. The museum also contains written sources with the earliest records of winemaking in Vâlcea County, dating from the time of Mircea cel Bătrân.

At the Vila Dobrușa winery in the Drăgășani wine region, AVINCIS offers wine tastings and winery tours. With help from the team, visitors can arrange guided walks along recommended routes through the vineyards. Check dates and availability for your visit; walking options may also depend on vineyard work and conditions.

Hiking trails and nature

Cascada Lotrișor is almost 30 meters high. It was created by work to divert the river and is therefore not a natural waterfall. From the parking area at the start of the forest road, it can only be reached on foot, by bicycle or with a stroller. The average walk takes 35 to 40 minutes; trail conditions may vary.

Hiking trail Traseul III runs from Căciulata via Mănăstirea Cozia, Poiana Bivolari, Stâna La Mușețel and Curmătura La Troiță to Poiana Stănișoarei. It is marked in yellow, takes two and a half hours and is accessible year-round. Weather and trail management conditions may affect hiking; check the current situation before setting out.

Parcul Național Buila-Vânturarița is home to more than 23 habitat types. As part of the project Porţile Parcului Naţional Buila-Vânturariţa: natură şi spiritualitate, Asociaţia Kogayon developed an ecotourism program and an ecotourism trail. The project was funded by Fundaţia pentru Parteneriat and Asociaţia de Ecoturism din România, with co-funding from Consiliul Judeţean Vâlcea. Peștera Urșilor in Cheile Bistriței is one of the few caves in Vâlcea that can be visited.

Choose your hotel location to suit your travel plans

Whether monasteries and museums, hiking, ceramics or wine are your main interests will influence which destinations you include in your travel plans. Compare the location of the specific hotel with the places you actually plan to visit, and check the routes involved before finalizing your daily itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Banesti, Curăturile, Măldăresti, Costeşti, Brezoi, Perişani, Marița, Lazaret, Câinenii Mici, Malaia, Balcesti, Ocnele Mari, Vaideeni, Comuna Nicolae Bălcescu, Orașul Băbeni, Băile Olăneşti, Călimănești, Ciungetu, Obârşia Lotrului, Pietrișu, Gura Văii, Râmnicu Vâlcea, Blidari, Baile Govora, Horezu, Voineasa.

For the broader travel overview: Romania.