Malu between River Landscapes and History

For your holiday planning, two themes in Malu can be clearly distinguished: the Cama-Dinu-Păsărica nature reserve also includes the village of Malu, while the Malu–Foişorul Turcului archaeological site preserves traces of settlements from different periods. An Orthodox church and the area’s former administrative history round out the picture. You can weigh up whether you are more interested in the protected river landscape, archaeological traces or the history of the village.

Forests, islands and wet depressions

The 2,400-hectare Cama-Dinu-Păsărica nature reserve also includes the village of Malu. In the wider regional area, the reserve encompasses oak, ash and elm forests, gallery-like willow and poplar forests, as well as wet depressions with water lilies and reeds. The islands of Cama, Dinu and Păsărica are also part of it. Between the dike and the riverbank, the area also includes a flood-prone zone. Forests, riverbanks and wet depressions thus form different facets of the protected area.

The ROSCI0088 Gura Vedei–Șaica–Slobozia protected area is another part of the wider regional landscape. It lies in the lower Vedea basin within the Lower Danube floodplain and also includes an area between the dike and the riverbank. The two protected areas differ in their geographic scope: Cama-Dinu-Păsărica includes Malu itself; ROSCI0088 is characterised by the lower Vedea basin and the floodplain.

Archaeology and local history

The Malu–Foişorul Turcului archaeological site includes a Dridu settlement dating from the 9th to the 11th century. Traces of sunken-floor houses from the 18th and 19th centuries are also present there and are considered the remains of Malu’s old village settlement. Their state of preservation is considered precarious. The different periods offer a chronological comparison: early settlement traces sit alongside evidence associated with the older village settlement.

The Malu–Foişorul Turcului archaeological site lies on a Danube terrace, about 390 metres south of the Malu exit and to the left of the DN5C towards Vedea.

According to local tradition, the settlement of Malu was founded around 7 August 1445; however, no official document confirms this date. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Malu was incorporated into the Giurgiu raia. Two different historical perspectives therefore stand side by side: a founding tradition whose date has not been officially confirmed, and an administratively defined affiliation limited to a specific period.

Another cultural landmark is the Orthodox Church of Sf. Ioan Botezătorul in Malu, which is listed in the national register of religious buildings. As a religious building, it differs from the archaeological site and its traces of earlier settlements. If you and your family enjoy getting to know different sides of a place, this contrast offers a concrete starting point for conversation and exploration.

Waterways and different interests in the water

On 18 September 2024, the Vedea–Malu waterway was travelled as part of Via Danubiana. Two wild sandy beaches were discovered during the same trip. This observation relates to that particular trip; beach conditions and access may vary. If you are considering visiting the riverbanks, check access and current conditions in advance.

The Gura Canalului Cama is located near Malu, where a side channel flows into the main river. The area is considered suitable for catching predatory fish such as asp and zander. The Cama-Dinu side channel lies opposite Malu and has calmer water. Thus, two different water-related interests sit side by side: predatory fishing at Gura Canalului Cama and calmer water at Cama-Dinu.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Izvoarele, Giurgiu, Potlogi, Banesti, Daia, Varlaam, Comana, Greaca

For the main travel overview: Giurgiu.