Stâlpeni: Hills, Churches and Houses

Landscape between Terraces and Forest Belt

Stâlpeni is located in the hilly zone of the Getic Plateau south of Muscele. The commune lies on the banks of the Râul Târgului, while the valley area of Stâlpeni has four terraces. Dealul Mare borders this valley area to the east, and Gruiul Stâlpenilor to the west.

The landscape lies in the transition zone of the oak-beech forest belt at an elevation of 300 to 500 metres. The terraces are cut through by intermittent ravine valleys. These include Valea Bârzii, Valea Tiții, Valea Ogrezelii, Valea Cămianului, Valea Lupului and Valea Tânjală. The native spontaneous fauna includes squirrels, hares, roe deer, badgers and martens. Common bird species include larks, finches, woodpeckers, blackbirds, tits, sparrows, jays and magpies.

Transport Routes through Stâlpeni

The national road DN73, which connects Pitești with Brașov, runs through Stâlpeni. The Golești–Câmpulung–Parc Kretulescu railway line also passes through the commune and is served by Stâlpeni station. The road and railway are therefore among the defining transport links of the locality.

Churches and Historic Houses

Several churches in the commune of Stâlpeni bear specific dates. The church in the village of Stâlpeni, dating from 1833, is one of the commune’s tourist attractions. In the village of Rădești, the church of “Sfântul Gheorghe” is also one of the tourist attractions of the commune of Stâlpeni and dates from 1774. The old church of “Sfântul Gheorghe” stands on a hill beside the historic cemetery. In the village of Livezeni, the church of “Sfântul Nicolae” is one of the tourist attractions of the commune of Stâlpeni; it dates from 1813. The church of “Nașterea Maicii Domnului” in Livezeni is dated to the years 1894 to 1896.

Two houses in Stâlpeni are also associated with specific dates. Casa Vasile Niculescu dates from 1920, while Casa Marin Diaconescu dates from 1888. The historic Casa Marin Diaconescu was relocated from Stâlpeni to the Muzeul Viticulturii și Pomiculturii Golești. The churches and houses therefore bring together sacred architectural history and preserved residential architecture, each associated with a specific place and a specific time.

Traces of Local History

The first document in which the name Stâlpeni is recorded is a Hrisov issued by Prince Pătrașcu cel Bun and dated 20 July 1556. The history of the place name therefore reaches back to the 16th century, while the churches and houses from later centuries preserve individual further points in the commune’s history.

During the Feast of Saint George, religious services and folk traditions took place in the commune of Stâlpeni. The church in Rădești celebrated its patronal feast on this occasion. Opening hours for historic institutions should be checked before visiting; during religious services, the respective local times should be observed.

For the main travel overview: Stalpeni.