Discover Brădetu: Skete, History and Trails

Culture

The ensemble of the former Brădetu Skete in Brădetu comprises the Church of the Ascension of the Lord, a bell tower and an enclosure wall. The Church of the Ascension of the Lord has a single spire. It was built of stone and brick. Monastic life at the site of today’s historic church is documented for the years 1395–1396.

The old Brădetu Skete is regarded as a small princely monastic complex. It is also considered a voivodal foundation under the direct attention of the voivodes of Wallachia. The old church of Brădetu was restored by the Directorate of Historic Monuments in 1926–1929 and 1964–1967.

The new Brădetu Skete is located on the ridge of Dealul Seci at an altitude of 750 m. It lies at a bend in the Vâlsan River. The new skete offers panoramic views of Mount Ghițu, the Iezer Massif, Măgura Chiciura, the Vâlsan Gorge and the centre of Brădetu.

At the new skete, pilgrims may be welcomed by a monk. The monk accompanies them to the church for prayer. He also assists them with information and spiritual guidance. A fragment of the relics of Saint Hierarch Nectarios of Aegina is kept at the new skete.

Further information about the area can be found at Galeșu.

Nature

A route leads from Brădetu along the Vâlsan River to Poienile Vâlsanului. It is 11 km long and runs along a forest road.

The 11-km route begins in Brădetu, while the route through the Valea Vâlsanului starts at the sanatorium in the centre of Stațiunea Brădet. A circular route starting and ending in Brădetu leads via Turburea, Berindești, Poenari, Arefu, Poiana Moliviș, Nucșoara and Gruiu; it takes 5–6 hours.

The route from Stațiunea Brădet to Vârful Moldoveanu through the Valea Vâlsanului begins at the sanatorium in the centre of Stațiunea Brădet. It runs through the Cheile Vâlsanului.

Stațiunea Brădetu is associated with the protected landscapes of the Valea Vâlsanului, classified as a mixed nature reserve, particularly because of the fish species Romanythis Valsanicola, commonly known as asprete, which occurs in the Vâlsan River.

One hiking trail takes 8–9 hours. Approximately half of the route runs uphill. The blue-cross trail marking was still being prepared.

The Poienile Vâlsanului campsite near Brădetu is located in the Făgăraș Mountains. The approach leads via Brădetu, the Cheile Vâlsanului and the DJ703I.

For a stay, a holiday apartment in Brădetu can be included in your own planning as an accommodation option. The specific details of the respective offer remain decisive, without allowing any conclusions to be drawn about availability, amenities or distance.

Dates

The Târgul de Sfântul Ilie is scheduled for 20 July in Brădetu.

For the higher-level travel overview: Bradulet.