Two themes shape the way Bughea de Jos is seen: the history of Mănăstirea Ciocanu and the municipality’s hilly countryside. When planning your trip, you can distinguish between its religious and local heritage on the one hand, and the landscape and outdoor activities on the other.
Hilly Countryside and Landscape
Bughea de Jos lies in the north of Argeș County, in the sub-Carpathian zone of the Southern Carpathians. The municipality stretches along the left bank of the Bughea River. Dealul Ciocanu, at 886 metres, shapes its relief and gives the landscape a named high point. The hills are mostly covered with deciduous and coniferous forests; there are also meadows and orchards. Together, these features describe a rural setting where forested areas and open land used for agriculture sit side by side.
Wildlife typical of hilly areas in the municipality includes hares, foxes, wolves and bears, among other species. These animals add another perspective on the municipality’s natural environment. They are part of the described wildlife, not a promise that you will see them during an outing.
Monastery and Local History
Mănăstirea Ciocanu is located in the municipality of Bughea de Jos. It is documented in written records from 1547, when it was founded by villagers from Malu. In 1992, the complex was converted from a skete into a monastery. The foundation stone for the newer church was laid in 1994. It is dedicated to “Sfinții Apostoli Petru și Pavel”; the dates thus mark different chapters in the history of the monastery and its church.
Schitul Ciocanu has its own chronology: it dates from the 17th century and was rebuilt in 1825. The complex includes the wooden church “Intrarea în Biserică,” dating from 1825. The village of Bughea de Jos is itself documented in written records from 1549. Another dated landmark is the stone cross from 1757, opposite the home of Amzică Ana in the Hulubești area. The religious complexes, village history and cross offer different points of reference for distinguishing the area’s historical themes.
Local Culture and Traditions
The Muzeul Sătesc Bughea de Jos, a local cultural institution, is part of the area’s cultural profile. The area’s history also includes crafts that were once part of everyday life: leatherworking, woodworking and the making of “pâslari.” These activities are recorded as historical traditions; they do not describe workshops currently on offer.
“Focul lui Sumedru” is a tradition tied to a specific date in the calendar. It marks the start of the pastoral year; the fire is lit on the night of 25–26 October. The tradition is also observed in Bughea de Jos, adding a living tradition to the area’s history, distinct from the construction dates of the religious complexes.
Hiking, Cycling and Getting There
Râpa Șoimului is regarded as a hiking area. At Dealul Ciocanu in Bughea de Jos, the cycling community from Câmpulung has created cycling routes. This gives you two different options for planning outdoor activities: a place regarded as a hiking area and established cycling routes. If you are planning a cycling trip, check the current condition of the routes beforehand.
Bughea de Jos is reached by rail via Câmpulung; for a specific train journey, it is advisable to check the current timetable. The county road DJ732C runs near Bughea de Jos. It leads east toward Câmpulung and southwest toward Godeni and Schitu Golești.
When choosing where to stay, you can decide which focus best suits your trip: religious and local history, or the landscape and its hiking and cycling opportunities.
Discover more destinations: Podu Dâmboviței, Schitu Golești, Sălătrucu, Argeșelu, Oarja, Godeni, Bradu, Rogojina.
For the broader travel overview: Argeş.
