Discover Valeni: Churches, History and Culture
Accommodation in Valeni
Văleni brings together historic churches, archaeological traces, a war memorial and a local custom. Its church-building phases range from a wooden church dating to 1811 to an Orthodox church built in 2021; archaeological finds also point to much earlier periods of settlement.
The wooden church “Adormirea Maicii Domnului”
The wooden church “Adormirea Maicii Domnului” in Văleni was built in 1811 from wooden beams on a stone foundation. It is designated a historic monument. The old wooden church was donated or founded by villagers, with the support of Gavriil Macedon, Gheorghe Arsenie and Aga Scarlat Donici and their wives.
The church has an old cemetery. A stone cross dating to 1812 is considered the oldest stone cross there. A wooden bell tower was built at the church; its two bells were cast in 1882. In 1885, the church was renovated inside and out.
Parish churches from different building periods
The newer parish church in Văleni was built of brick between 1920 and 1923. After major repairs between 1992 and 1995, it was reconsecrated on August 16, 1995. Another Orthodox church belongs to the Văleni II parish. Dedicated to the Nativity of St John the Baptist and Saint Nektarios, it was built in 2021.
Memorial sites and archaeological traces
An obelisk in front of the town hall commemorates the heroes who fell in the Second World War. Archaeological discoveries in Văleni include remains of Neolithic settlements belonging to the Cucuteni culture, as well as traces of Bronze Age settlements attributed to the Noua culture. There are also traces of a fortified Carpic settlement dating from the 2nd to 3rd century. Its defensive features included an earthen rampart, a palisade and a ditch.
Local history and cultural tradition
The settlement of Văleni was formerly called Valea Rea and has borne the name Văleni since 1965. In 1427, the now-vanished village of Fauri is documented within the commune; this reference is considered the earliest documentary mention associated with Văleni.
The 26th edition of the “Eminescu prin mileniul III” festival and competition was held in Văleni. The festival is considered a cultural and educational tradition of the local community and beyond. It aims to introduce children to literature, art and the values of cultural identity. A custom called “Jienii” is also known in Văleni.
The commune’s roads and landscape
Văleni commune lies along national road DN 24 on the route between Vaslui and Iași. The road crosses the commune from north to south and is paved throughout its entire stretch within the commune. Local road DC3A starts in Văleni at DN 24 and runs west to DJ246A. About 2.5 kilometres of this road are paved within the settlement.
The commune’s territory lies across two gently sloping hills covered with acacia and fruit trees. Near Văleni is Lake Solești, a 348-hectare reservoir on the Vasluieț River in Solești commune. The route to the lake runs from Vaslui via Moara Domnească and Văleni, then on to Solești and Satu Nou. Carp, crucian carp, pike-perch and perch can be caught in the lake.
Discover more destinations: Balteni, Negrești and Vaslui.
Return to the main travel overview: Wassluy.
