The Muzeul Trovanților offers an unusual way to experience the landscape of Costeşti: at the foot of a sandstone quarry, the open-air geological museum displays irregularly shaped, spherical or ellipsoidal formations known as trovants. They range in size from a few centimetres to several metres. The protected area covers 1.10 hectares and was designated by Government Decision No. 1581 of 8 December 2005. It is also part of Buila-Vânturarița National Park. The difference in size, from a few centimetres to several metres, makes these distinctive shapes easy to appreciate.
Gorges and Mountain Landscapes
The Cheile Costeştiului run for about four kilometres along the Costeşti stream and are designated a nature reserve. Buila-Vânturarița National Park encompasses karst peaks and limestone ridges, caves, gorges and valleys, as well as forests, mountain pastures and hay meadows. Its flora and fauna are also diverse. The park lies within the communes of Costești, Bărbătești and Băile Olănești in Vâlcea County. The gorge follows a specific stream, while the national park’s varied landforms and habitats shape the overall landscape.
Hiking Trails with Different Time Estimates
In the Buila-Vânturarița area, one route runs from Mănăstirea Bistrița via Cheile Bistriței, Între Râuri and Valea Cuca to Plaiul Zănoaga, then continues to Curmătura Rodeanu. Another route runs from the village of Pietreni via Cheile Costeşti, Cantonul Silvic Prislop, Plaiul Netedu, Vârful Netedu, Vârful Lespezi and Muntele Zănoaga to Vârful Govora and Şaua Zmeuret. The routes can be distinguished by their successive waypoints.
The route from Pietreni via Schitul Pătrunsa to Schitul Pahomie is estimated to take eight hours on foot for the round trip. Its sections are marked with a red triangle, blue dot and red cross. With an estimated walking time of eight hours, this route is a full day’s hike; factor that into your day’s plans. Trail conditions can change, so it is advisable to check for current information before setting out.
Trails to Gorges and a Cave
The trail through Cheile Bistriței begins in the village of Bistrița, at the gate of Mănăstirea Bistrița, where there is an information board and a signpost. Another path leads northwest from Biserica 44 de Izvoare. It is unmarked and reaches Cheile Costeștilor after about five minutes uphill. The two starting points offer different levels of guidance: signs and an information board are available at the gate of Mănăstirea Bistrița, whereas the path from Biserica 44 de Izvoare is unmarked.
A railed, easy-to-walk path behind Mănăstirea Bistrița leads to Peștera Liliecilor, which can be reached in about 15 minutes. No special equipment is needed apart from a light source. Check local access conditions before visiting. Inside the cave is the small Ovidenia cave church, dating from the 17th century. Partly carved into the rock and partly built of masonry, it is a distinctive cultural site within the cave.
Churches, Monastery and Art
In Pietreni, the wooden church of Grămești is dated to 1664 and is dedicated to Adormirea Maicii Domnului. Biserica 44 de Izvoare has been documented since 1701. The dates refer to two different historical points: a dating and a documentary record.
A route from Costeşti to Arnota Monastery passes Mănăstirea Bistrița and climbs toward the Costeşti limestone quarry to an altitude of 840 metres. The tomb of Matei Basarab, who died on 9 April 1654, is in the monastery’s present-day church. As road conditions can change, check them before driving. The Gheorghe D. Anghel Art Museum is located in the Constantin Popian Cultural Centre; its collection is centred on six masterpieces by Gh. D. Anghel.
Discover more destinations: Malaia, Băile Olăneşti, Brezoi, Ciungetu, Râmnicu Vâlcea, Câinenii Mici, Vaideeni, Blidari.
For the broader travel overview: Vâlcea.
