Malu Mare: History, Church Art and the Preajba-Făcăi Nature Area

Malu Mare has a history spanning more than 500 years. The village was first mentioned in a document in 1494. The historical period covered extends from the first mention to an ensemble dating from the 16th century. In the Comuna Malu Mare lies the Ansamblul curţii boiereşti Jieni, which dates from the 16th century. The complex is located within the territory of the Comuna. The early documentary mention and the historic ensemble link the history of the village to a specific architectural monument.

History

The history of the village includes a change of name and settlement location. Malu Mare was originally called Ciulniţa. Because of frequent flooding, the village was relocated from the Jiu floodplain on the left bank of the river to higher ground along the Jiu. The former name and the relocation of the settlement are defining stages in the history of the village.

In the centre of the village of Malu Mare stands a memorial monument dedicated to the inhabitants of Malu Mare. They took part in the War of Independence in 1877 and the Peasants’ Uprising in 1907; they also fought in the war for national unification from 1916 to 1918. The memorial site in the village centre is dedicated to the inhabitants and three historical events. The dates range from the 19th century to the period of the First World War. The monument connects the local memorial site with three different historical engagements involving the inhabitants.

Culture and Architecture

In Preajba stands the Biserica Sf. Ştefan şi Sf. Gheorghe, a historic monument of religious architecture from the 17th century. The church was founded in 1779 by Hagi Stan Jianu. To this day, it preserves interior wall paintings in the Brâncovenesc tradition. Its construction, foundation and furnishings thus originate from several centuries. The construction period, foundation and preserved paintings are distinctive features of this sacred building.

The furnishings of the Biserica Sf. Ştefan şi Sf. Gheorghe include religious books and icons from the 19th century, as well as original columns made in the 18th century. For visits to historic churches, current opening hours can be checked before departure.

The name Han Preajba also preserves an earlier designation: Han Preajba was formerly known as Conacul Iancu Jianu. The Ansamblul curţii boiereşti Jieni in the Comuna Malu Mare dates from the 16th century.

Nature

The protected natural area Complexul lacustru Preajba-Făcăi lies within the territory of the Comuna Malu Mare and its immediate surroundings.

The park project for a recreational area on Strada Stadionului in the Comuna Malu Mare is listed as completed; it includes picnic grills and footpaths.

Transport

National Road 55 crosses the Comuna Malu Mare and connects it with other places in the region. The Comuna also has its own railway station. For train connections, current timetables should be checked before departure; for journeys on national roads, current route conditions can be taken into account.

For the broader travel overview: Comuna Malu Mare.