Located in the Serban Popescu House, the Village Museum was built in 1870 and declared an architectural monument. The official document, dated 1592 and preserved in the Village Museum, is the documentary proof attesting to the centuries-old existence of the village. There are numerous other historic buildings and a weekly market.
Pucioasa
Situated 20 km north off Targoviste, Pucioasa is an unusual terraced town, built on three levels, reminiscent of a large Greek amphitheatre. The first documentary evidence of the town goes back to 1649, when it was mentioned under the name, "Piatra Pucioasa". In 1791, the town was included on an Austrian map, and was later found on a Russian map of 1835. From 1828, the town developed as a Spa and climatic resort, thus becoming known as "Pucioasa" by the local people, as a result of its mineral sulphurous waters.
The mineral sources of sulphurous water and iodine are located in Pucioasa-Sat. Doctors recommend Pucioasa's Ozone-rich air for the treatment of diseases affecting the locomotory and respiratory systems.
Targoviste
An essential part of your travel itinerary whilst visiting the Dambovita area must be the city of Targoviste, the current capital of the county and the former capital of Wallachia. The city is first mentioned as far back as 1396 by the Bavarian crusader Johann Schitberger, who visited during his preparations for the battle of Nicopole. During the reign of Mircea cel Batrân, the city became the main residence of the ruling Princes of Wallachia.
The Princely Court Museum
Beginning with Mircea cel Batrân and ending with Prince Constantin Brancoveanu, the Princely Court in Targoviste was the residence of 33 ruling Princes of Wallachia.
The "Chindiei" Tower
Erected by Vlad Tepes around the year 1460, the so-called "Chindiei" Tower is an emblematic monument of the city of Targoviste. Over time, the tower served a variety of different uses: as part of the defence system, as a point of observation, a watch tower, a treasury deposit, and as an access gate. The tower was rebuilt in the mid 19th century.
The Princely Palace
Erected by Mircea cel Batrân in 1400, the only part of this ancient building which still exists today are the foundations of the cellar, constructed of river stones. A restoration and conservation process began in 1961, culminating with parts of the ancient fortress of Targoviste, the Princely Palace and its ancillary buildings returning to the tourist map.
The Main Princely Church
Erected in 1584, The Main Princely Church was founded and built by Prince Petru Cercel (1583-1585). The church was built at the same time as the Princely Residence, which stands directly adjacent to it. The monument was designed according to the inscribed Greek cross model, and stood out owing to its colossal dimensions, unparalleled until that time; the rectangle which circumscribed the exterior perimeter being 14 meters wide and 30 meters long. The entire mural painting has been entirely preserved and was made during the reign of Prince Constantin Brancoveanu, during the period 1696-1698. The church contains the most comprehensive gallery of Wallachian Princes' portraits.
The Museum of the Printing Press and Old Princely Book
The museum is the only one of its kind in the entire country, presenting the history of the Romanian printing press between the years 1508 and 1830. Exhibits include princely documents and orders, the first books printed in Romanian either for ecclesiastic or for secular usage, writing and printing instruments.
Neighbouring Towns
Sinaia, 30 km from Satul Prunilor. Attractions include: The Romanian Royal Family's mountain residence, Peles Castle, Pelisor Castle, Sinaia Monastery. A superb ski resort with numerous restaurants, bars and shops.
Brasov, 84 km from Satul Prunilor. Attractions include: The Black Church (A beautiful Gothic church with an extraordinary collection of traditional Romanian carpets, The Black Church also houses Europe's largest organ), The White Tower, The Black Tower, The Old Fortress with its Museum, St Nicolae's Church, an Art Museum, St Bartholomeu's Church and Ecaterina's gate. Brasov also boasts Romania's premier ski resort in Poina Brasov.
Prejmer, 95 km from Satul Prunilor. Attractions include: The incredible Peasant Fortress.
Bran, 80 km from Satul Prunilor. Attractions include: Bran Castle and the Rasnov Fortress.
Sighisoara, 200km from Satul Prunilor. Attractions include: The Clock Tower, 12 further towers each named after different vocational schools (Shoemakers, Tailors, Jewellers), The Old School, Dominican Capella and Monastery, Franciscan Church, The Old Church, Vlad Dracul House.
Activities
These can be arranged through reception to include horse-riding, hiking, mountain-biking, fishing and hunting. All equipment can be provided by Satul Prunilor. Please ask at reception for more information.
Sightseeing
Together with the Omu Peak, The Ialomita River Gorges represents one of the best sightseeing areas in the Bucegi Mountains. The mountain is carved into spectacular shapes and the gorges formed by the Ialomita River offer visitors some of the most exquisite landscapes, with rare flora and fauna unique to the area.
From north to south, the sequence of 10 gorges is: Ursilor, Pesterii, Varariei, Coteanu, Tatarului, Zanoaga Mica, Zanoaga Mare, Orzei, Dobresti, and Galma Gorges.
Caving
The best-known of the caves situated on the Ialomita River is the Ialomita Cave, situated in the "Pesterii" Gorges (meaning the "Gorges' Cave"). It is 480 meters long and situated at an altitude of 1660 m. The Ialomita River Gorges and Cave are included in the natural reservation of the Bucegi Mountains – Horoabei - Ursilor.
At the entrance to the Ialomita Cave, the parishioners and monks from Pietrosita, Moeciu, Bran and Moroeni have repeatedly built monastic facilities. During the four centuries of their existence, the wooden churches and appurtenances have burned down four times, the last devastating fire occurring back in 1961.
A reconstruction project for the monastic complex was initiated and works commenced on August 1st, 1993, culminating in spectacular results. The resurrected monastic premises are a delight for both the eye and soul.
Trekking
The Bucegi National Park offers the most beautiful landscapes for trekking. Departures from Moroieni leave for Scropoasa Lake, Bolboci Lake, Bucegi Plateau, the Sphinx natural monument (old Dacian's symbol), Babele Rocks and the Alpine meadows to Bran-Moeciu. For the more adventurous, an 8km trek from Satul Prunilor takes you to Mount Leaota; situated near the village of Runcu and benefiting from an Alpine microclimate, these beautiful surroundings are home to The Leaota Monastery, built and decorated by the Mount Athos monks.
Satul Prunilor can be used as a starting point for half, full or two-day trips around one of the last remaining wild and relatively unspoiled areas of Europe. Please ask at reception for further details.
Peles Castle
Bran Castle
The Sfinx
The Princely Court Museum
The "Chindiei" Tower
The Princely Palace
Main Princely Church
The Museum of the Printing Press and Old Princely Book
