Discover Afumați: Cantacuzino Court, Olelia and Recreational Lakes

Culture and History

The former court complex of Stolnic Constantin Cantacuzino, later Baron Dumba, is located in Afumați at 57–59 Strada Ștefănești. It was established at the end of the 17th century and remodelled in the 19th century. The older princely court complex of Radu de la Afumați is located at the same site.

The Cantacuzino Court ensemble includes the manor house, the Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God and the enclosing walls. The church stands at 59 Strada Ștefănești and was built in 1691. It too was remodelled in the 19th century. Guided tours were offered at Cantacuzino Manor from 2011 onwards. Wine tastings for visitors are offered in the former wine cellar of the manor house.

The chronological sequence of the building history thus extends from the construction of the church in 1691, through the court complex at the end of the 17th century, to the changes made in the 19th century. The older princely court complex of Radu de la Afumați is part of the historic site where Cantacuzino Court was later established.

Another historical connection is the Dobrițoiu family court originating from Afumați. This court was built in the 1920s and donated to the Muzeul Satului in 2011.

Archaeological Sites

The Afumați–La Moară archaeological site comprises a Geto-Dacian settlement from the La Tène period and a Dacian-Roman settlement from the 3rd to 4th century AD.

The site thus combines two different settlement phases: the Geto-Dacian settlement belongs to the La Tène period, while the Dacian-Roman settlement dates to the 3rd century. Another archaeological site is located on the Pârâul Pasărea in Afumați. It comprises a necropolis from the 15th and 16th centuries.

Tradition

Olelia is a tradition passed down from generation to generation. It takes place on Lăsata Secului, the last day before the beginning of the Easter fasting period. The name “Focurile de la Afumați” also refers to Olelia.

Olelia is therefore associated both with the name Lăsata Secului and with the designation “Focurile de la Afumați”. The appointed time falls immediately before the beginning of the Easter fasting period.

Forest and Water

The Pădurea peisagistică de la Afumați landscape forest covers approximately 300 hectares and is part of the Codrii Vlăsiei. Pădurea Afumați forest consists of mixed stands of oak, beech, maple, black locust and linden.

The forest areas therefore differ in their names and in the context described for them: Pădurea peisagistică de la Afumați is associated with an area of approximately 300 hectares and the Codrii Vlăsiei, while Pădurea Afumați is characterised by its mixed tree species. These stands include oak, beech, maple, black locust and linden.

The recreational basins of the Afumați municipality lie along the Pasărea River. They are spread across the northwestern, central and southeastern parts of the municipality. Five recreational lakes are among Afumați’s tourist attractions.

The bodies of water are therefore not located at a single specified point, but in three parts of the municipality: in the northwest, centre and southeast. In addition to the recreational basins along the Pasărea, five recreational lakes are counted among Afumați’s tourist attractions.

Other Places

Find more local pages here: Dimieni, Otopeni, Balotești, Rudeni, Bragadiru, Mogoşoaia, Dascălu, Popeşti-Leordeni

To the higher-level travel overview: Ilfov.