Discover Ciungetu: Trails, Waterfalls and Cultural Heritage

Ciungetu can be considered from several perspectives when planning a trip: local history and cave finds sit alongside specific trail and landscape features. Local landmarks include the Orthodox wooden Church of Saints Constantine and Helena, as well as Peștera Laptelui on the right slope of the Rudăreasa. From Ciungetu, a route heads upstream along the Valea Latoriței. Depending on whether you are interested in cultural history, archaeological finds or outdoor activity, these subjects offer different ways to shape your stay.

Church, Cave and History of the Finds

The Orthodox wooden Church of Saints Constantine and Helena was built in 1861. It is listed under the official LMI code VL-II-m-B-09722. Its votive painting depicts the principal donor, Florea Ionescu, with his family and the villagers who contributed to the church’s construction. The painting thus connects the donor with the people who helped build the church.

Peștera Laptelui is also known as Peștera cu Lapte and is located in the village of Ciungetu, on the right slope of the Rudăreasa. Fossils of small animals that lived more than 50,000 years ago, as well as ceramic fragments from the Glina culture, have been found in the cave. The gallery is 22 metres long and ends at a small pool of water. If you plan to visit, check current access conditions beforehand.

Trails, Waterfalls and Protected Area

The trail to Cascada Scoruș runs through the canyon of the Bucureasa Valley. It is marked with two white-and-red circles and includes footbridges and narrow paths. Both the trail markings and the changing character of the route are therefore relevant when planning.

Cascada Moara Dracilor in the Latorița Mountains is a two-tier waterfall with a drop of 20 to 25 metres. The Muntinu Nature Reserve is a botanical and landscape protected area that protects the plants of the region. Its landscape includes a glacial valley and two lakes in the upper reaches. Rare plants grow on limestone rocks with granitic intrusions. Botanical features and a striking landform come together here.

Routes and Roads at Petrimanu

The road to Barajul Petrimanu begins 18 kilometres from Ciungetu and climbs through the Latorița area. From the Petrimanu Dam towards Galbenu, the section initially covers 4.5 kilometres with a gentle ascent and small hairpin bends; after that, the gradient becomes steeper. The distance and changes in gradient give you a practical guide for planning your stages.

Another road connection runs from Gura Latoriței via Ciungetu, Lacul Petrimanu and Lacul Galbenu; it is partly paved. Since trail and road conditions can change, check the latest conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Baile Govora, Gura Văii, Marița, Călimănești, Lazaret, Vaideeni, Malaia, Pietrișu.

For the broader travel overview: Vâlcea.