Corbeni on the Route to Bâlea Lake

Geographical Location

Corbeni is located on the Pitești–Curtea de Argeș–Corbeni–Vidraru Dam–Bâlea Lake tourist route. The connection passes through several notable stops and makes Corbeni part of the route towards the Transfăgărășan and Bâlea Lake. Mănăstirea Antonești is located near Vidraru Dam and the Transfăgărășan Road. The monastery is an important pilgrimage site of the Archdiocese of Argeș and Muscel. It is approximately 1 km from the centre of Corbeni. From Curtea de Argeș, the DN 7C leads towards the Transfăgărășan and this monastery.

Culture and History

Biserica Corbeni was built in 1743. It was later restored during the periods 1918–1919 and 1943–1953. Corbeni is also home to Curtea boierilor Corbeanu, a historic cultural heritage site. Vila Bordenache is a historic monument in Corbeni. Together with the church, these structures form various historic stops within the commune.

Oeștii Pământeni also belongs to the commune of Corbeni and adds further religious buildings to its historical profile. Biserica „Sf. Nicolae“ is dated to 1840. Schitul Sfântul Ierarh Nifon și Sfânta Cuvioasă Teodora de la Sihla was founded there on 11 August 2017. In the churches, monastery and historic monuments mentioned, the construction and foundation histories span from 1743 to the present day.

Route and Pilgrimage

The easy, 12 km Albești–Cicănești–Oești cycling route runs through the communes of Albeștii de Argeș, Cicănești and Corbeni. Within the territory of the commune of Corbeni, it includes the Mănăstirea Sfântul Ioan Botezătorul – Antonești monastery. The route connects three communes and combines cycling with a religious destination, also known as Mănăstirea Antonești.

Mănăstirea Antonești brings together several details of the route: the monastery is located near Vidraru Dam and the Transfăgărășan Road, is part of the pilgrimage offering of the Archdiocese of Argeș and Muscel, and is approximately 1 km from the centre of Corbeni. The distance is an approximate value. Current traffic and opening conditions should be checked separately before visiting the monastery.

Traditions and Festival

The “Tradiții Argeșene” Festival took place in 2023 in the commune of Corbeni for its tenth edition. An event for a three-day edition in its thirteenth year was announced for 21–23 August. The announced interactive workshops include making traditional Opinci, weaving willow rods, blacksmithing and pottery. The specific festival dates and current opening hours should be checked before travelling.

As part of the festival, spit-roasted and cauldron-cooked dishes as well as local producers’ stalls were offered or announced. Crafts, regional products and hearty food are brought together within the shared event setting of “Tradiții Argeșene”. Other places: Rucar, Vlădești, Câmpulung, Valea Hotarului, Lunca Corbului, Mioveni, Leordeni, Arefu

To the higher-level travel overview: Argeş.