Măldărești combines a distinctive architectural heritage with other cultural and natural attractions. At the museum complex, Cula Duca and Cula Greceanu represent the history of Culă buildings; in the centre of the commune, the church dedicated to Saint Nicholas adds another landmark. Ethnographic collections and named natural attractions broaden the picture. This makes it possible to choose a destination based on specific interests, without reducing the place to a single building.
Cula Duca and Cula Greceanu
Cula Duca is a fortified residence of the Culă type and is used as a museum within the Măldărești museum complex. Its building history can be traced to two dates: Gheorghiță Măldărescu had it built in 1812, and the stucco work followed in 1827. Its architecture also reveals its defensive character. The building has three levels, with loopholes on all of them, including the balustrade of the pavilion. Thus, residential and defensive functions coexist in one building.
The historic complex also includes Cula Greceanu. Its present form dates from the 18th century; between 1780 and 1790, it was renovated by the boyar Gheorghe Măldărescu and his wife, Eva. From the veranda of the upper cerdac, there are views of the Arnota, Builă and Bărbătescu mountains, as well as the Luncavăț Valley. Duca and Greceanu therefore differ both in their recorded building histories and in the architectural features described for each.
The Culă complex offers insight into the historic life of the boyars. More than 3,000 ethnographic objects are also preserved at the museum complex. Together, the buildings and the collection offer several ways to explore the cultural heritage: from the fortified residence and the renovation of a historic Culă to the ethnographic objects.
The church and other aspects of the area
In the centre of the commune, on the right bank of the Luncavăț River, stands the brick church dedicated to Saint Nicholas. It is listed as a historic monument on account of its age, its Brâncovenesc-influenced architecture and the quality of its wall paintings. This sacred building complements the picture of Măldărești’s architectural history conveyed by the Culă complex. Those interested in different forms of cultural heritage will find more here than just one architectural theme.
Nature is also among the commune’s named attractions: Trovanți along the Neagra and Gresarea streams are listed as a local attraction. They offer a natural point of interest alongside the historic buildings, without implying any specific route or connection between the sites. A painting course attended by painters from across the country is also part of the cultural offering at the museum complex. The range of attractions therefore includes historic architecture, ethnographic objects, painting and a designated natural attraction.
Getting there and choosing a destination
The Măldărești museum complex is accessible via the DN 65 and is located about three kilometres from Horezu. This information helps place the complex geographically when planning your journey. To decide whether Măldărești is a good fit for your stay, consider its distinctive highlights: the two Culă buildings and their different histories, St. Nicholas Church and the Trovanți along the two streams. Choosing among these themes can help you decide what kind of trip to take.
If you are looking for hotels for a stay in Măldărești, its cultural and natural heritage is a good starting point when choosing your destination. The area has a clear focus for travellers who want to centre their stay on historic buildings and ethnographic collections, while also offering another, nature-oriented dimension. You can therefore base your decision to visit Măldărești on the sights and themes actually mentioned.
Discover more destinations: Ocnele Mari, Marița, Baile Govora, Gura Văii, Ciungetu, Malaia, Perişani, Călimănești.
For the broader travel overview: Vâlcea.
