Schitu Golești is shaped by high hills, prominent ridges and a layered history. The Sf. Trei Ierarhi Church, the Roman fortress of Jidava and the war memorial each offer a distinct historical perspective. For geographical orientation: the commune lies on national road DN 73 between Pitești and Brașov, seven kilometres south of Câmpulung.
Landscape Between Hills and River Valley
The commune’s terrain is characterised by high hills with extensive, angular ridges, terraced areas and steep slopes. Between them lie narrow, little-eroded watersheds. Erosion is pronounced on the steep slopes. The smooth, parallel ridges separated by valleys are known as muscele.
Along the Râul Târgului are flat terraces and narrow floodplains, between 200 and 300 metres wide. The river collects water from the side valleys. Pastures and orchards lie on the terraces. As a result, the landscape varies considerably within the commune: ridges and slopes shape the terrain at higher elevations, while flat areas and floodplains extend along the river.
Church and Historic Complex
The Schitul Golești complex in Valea Pechii is a national historic monument. It comprises the “Sf. Trei Ierarhi” Church, monks’ cells, a bell tower and an enclosing wall. The church reflects several phases in its history: construction began in 1670 and was completed in 1676. It became a parish church in 1802 and is dedicated to “Sf. Trei Ierarhi”.
The documented details extend beyond the building’s history. Fragments of the original frescoes survive in the apses. The church’s religious holdings include the Gospel, twelve Mineie and icons painted on wood in the 17th century. The church can therefore be understood both through its construction and later use, and through its surviving frescoes and objects. The complex comprises more than just the church building.
Roman History and Remembrance
The Roman fortress of Jidava represents a different historical period. It was built between 190 and 211 AD under Emperors Commodus and Septimius Severus and destroyed during the invasion by the Carpi between 244 and 245 AD. Among the structures restored on the site are the Principia, the Praetorium and the Horreum.
The fortress exhibition includes ceramics, inscribed brick and roof-tile fragments, amphorae, mosaic pieces, water pipes, weapons and military equipment. Together with the restored buildings, these offer a different way of approaching history than the church: the focus here is on dated Roman military history and its material evidence.
The Schitu Golești war memorial was erected in 1932. Its inscriptions commemorate local First World War dead and also name people who died while working at the lignite mine. The memorial thus adds its own form of remembrance to the architectural and military history. The site’s historical themes range from religious use and Roman rule to the commemoration of war dead and miners.
Discover more destinations: Coteneşti, Nucşoara, Rucar, Sălătrucu, Bascov, Dragoslavele, Budeasa Mare, Valea Mare-Bratia.
For the broader travel overview: Argeş.
