Dragoslavele in the Leaota Mountains

Landscape and location

Dragoslavele lies at the western foot of the Leaota Mountains, in the Dragoslavele depression and at the same time along the upper reaches of the Dâmbovița River. The Dâmbovița flows through the western part of Dragoslavele commune. The eastern part of Dragoslavele commune consists predominantly of forests and mountains. Alpine and subalpine meadows account for a significant proportion of the commune. The commune includes the Leaota Massif, the Iezer-Păpușa Massif and the Dâmbovicioara Corridor. The landscape also includes a dense network of streams and springs that carry water year-round. Thus, within the commune, river landscapes, forested mountain areas, alpine and subalpine meadows, and several named mountain massifs meet. The streams and springs carry water year-round and are likewise part of the local landscape.

Suharatu is a peak in the vicinity of Dragoslavele. Plăișoru is also a peak in the vicinity of Dragoslavele. Piatra Dragoslavelor is likewise a peak in the vicinity of the village. Fundul Neagului is also listed as a peak in the vicinity of Dragoslavele. The four aforementioned peaks are therefore located near the village and complement the landscape between the depression, river course and mountain massifs. The commune lies at the intersection of important transport routes, including a European road between Brașov, Pitești and Bucharest, as well as a national road to Târgoviște.

Culture and history

The Dragoslavele Hermitage was built in 1929 as a patriarchal retreat for the clergy of Muscel. The church of the Dragoslavele Hermitage, dedicated to Saint George, was built at the end of the 17th century by believers from Borșa in Maramureș, later moved to Dragoslavele and rebuilt there. The church has a shingle roof and a tall, pointed tower in the Maramureș style, which also serves as a bell tower. Its history therefore encompasses its construction by believers from Borșa in Maramureș, its subsequent relocation to Dragoslavele and its reconstruction at its present location. The shingle roof and tower are among the recognizable architectural features of the church dedicated to Saint George.

The Crucea lui Lupu Vameșu in Dragoslavele dates from 1692. The Crucea lui Roman Pârcălabul in Dragoslavele dates from 1724. The Crucea lui Matei Basarab in Dragoslavele dates from 1632 to 1654. The Biserica cu hramul Înălțarea Domnului de la Dragoslavele–Suseni was founded in 1745 on the initiative of the tax collectors Histea and Sterie, with the support of priests and villagers. The historical monuments mentioned therefore include three crosses from different periods and a church founded in 1745. In addition to the tax collectors Histea and Sterie, priests and villagers also took part in its foundation.

Surrounding region

In the wider surrounding region of Dragoslavele lies Castelul Bran, a fortress. Peles Castle, a palace, is also located in the wider surrounding region. The Caraiman Peak Heroes Cross is a monument in the wider surrounding region of Dragoslavele. The fortress, palace and monument are therefore each located in the wider surrounding region of Dragoslavele and represent different historical or commemorative points of reference in the region.

Other places include Linteşti, Băiculeşti, Valea Hotarului, Costești, Rucar, Schitu Golești, Valea Mare-Bratia and Piteşti.

For the higher-level travel overview: Argeş.