Pucioasa: Spa Resort, Culture and Trails in the Ialomița Valley

After the discovery of the sulfur springs after 1828, Pucioasa developed into a balneoclimatic spa resort; the Ethnographic Museum’s exhibition, reorganized in 2020, presents this development as well as the written and unwritten history of Pucioasa.

Geographical setting

Pucioasa lies along the middle course of the Ialomița Valley in the Subcarpathian hills.

These hills are just over 600 meters high.

Pucioasa is located on national road DN 71 between Târgoviște, Pietroșița and Sinaia.

Culture and history

The Ethnographic Museum is housed in Casa Dobrescu.

The building is characteristic of Subcarpathian Muntenia.

Its ground floor is built solidly of stone.

The upper floor is supported by wooden beams.

The building is topped by a high shingle roof.

A veranda runs along the entire southern side.

Its design includes a wooden balustrade and carved wooden posts.

The traditional activities and crafts presented in the museum include pottery and cooperage.

Domestic textile production and folk costumes are also among the topics presented.

The Ethnographic and Folklore Museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00.

The ticket office closes 30 minutes before the end of visiting hours.

The Monumentul Eroilor Neamului is located in Parcul Independenței.

The Monumentul Eroilor Neamului is a work by sculptor Liviu Brezeanu.

Casa Nicolae Mateescu was built in 1934.

The architect was Constantin Joja.

The building combines elements of traditional Romanian architecture with elements of modernism.

The Biserica din Șerbănești was built in 1894 by Trandafir Maltezeanu.

The Gara Pucioasa railway station was inaugurated on May 27, 1894.

Water and landscape

The Pucioasa Reservoir lies on the Ialomița River.

It covers 91 hectares.

The reservoir is located at an elevation of 418 meters.

The Sursa area lies at the foot of Spătărelul–Mitropolie Hill.

Sursa is associated with sulfur and iodine springs.

Parcul Independenței offers a view through the Ialomița Valley.

The view extends to the Leaota Mountains.

Walking paths and cycling routes

The Lunca Ialomiției loop trail begins on Strada Republicii at the entrance to Central Park Pucioasa.

It follows the Ialomița Valley in the direction of Pucioasa-Sat.

The Patrana loop trail is a one-hour walking route.

It starts in the center of Pucioasa and leads to the bridge over the Bizdidel.

The Mironosițelor loop trail has a viewpoint at the Măgura-Bela location.

It is situated at an elevation of 664.7 meters.

Cycling in the Pucioasa area allows you to explore the forests, forest roads and trails of the Leaota Mountains.

The landscapes that can also be explored include the gentle ridges of the Leaota Mountains.

Cycling routes in the Pucioasa and Runcu area begin in villages.

From there, they lead into alpine areas known for mountain bike competitions.

Other places in the destination: Târgovişte, Moroeni, Crevedia, Găeşti, Fieni, Corbii Mari, Cazaci and Tătărani.

To the higher-level travel overview: Dimbovita.