Godeanu: Karst Landscape, Wooden Churches and Cetatea Grădețului

Godeanu is located in the Mehedinți Mountains along the upper course of the Topolnița River, which locals also call Valea Mare. The commune’s karst landscape includes karren, sinkholes, valleys, poljes, gorges and, above all, caves, making it one of the commune’s most interesting attractions. In Godeanu, distinctive landforms, river landscapes and historical sites thus come together within a closely connected thematic setting.

More local pages: Floreşti, Gura Văii, Eșelnița, Orșova, Şimian, Dubova, Corcova and Baia de Aramă.

Nature

The Topolnița River is the most significant body of water in the territory of Godeanu commune and in the wider region of the Mehedinți Plateau. Among locals, Peștera Topolniței is also known as Peștera de la Prosac and is located west of the village of Marga. The cave contains stalactite and stalagmite formations; rare bat species also live there.

The protection of Peștera Topolniței and Cheile Topolniței involves the communes of Cireșu and Godeanu. Cheile Topolniței extend for approximately four kilometres. Hiking trails lead through the gorges and are accessible to anyone interested in exploring them. Before a hike, it is advisable to check the current trail conditions, as preparation depends on the particular route and the prevailing conditions.

The karst landscape is evident not only in the caves, but also in the karren, sinkholes, valleys, poljes and gorges. The Chiciora peak near Godeanu reaches an elevation of 722.6 metres. The Crucea de la Godeanu, a 35-metre-high landmark, also stands on Dealul Chiciora near Godeanu.

Culture and History

The language, traditional dress and customs in Godeanu are identical to those of the Mountain Banat region. The wooden church “Sfântul Dimitrie” stands in the centre of Godeanu village. The wooden church “Sf. Voievozi” was brought to Godeanu from Obârșia Cloșani in October 1946. Its original beams and the icons of the iconostasis were preserved during the relocation.

The built heritage also includes the “Elena Gruiescu” wooden house in Godeanu village, dating from 1918. The fortress Cetatea Grădețului, dating from the time of the Dacians, lies south of Păunești on Grădeț Hill, at the confluence of the Stilbița stream and the Topolnița River.

Routes and Feast Day

County road DJ 670 connects Malovăț with Godeanu. Godeanu is connected to Baia-de-Aramă by county road DJ 671E. A tourist trail between Godeanu and Cireșu leads to Gaura lui Ciocârdie in about 20 minutes. For this route and other hikes, current route conditions should be checked before setting out.

The Ciumarca procession leads from the foot of Dealul Chiciora to its summit. The Ciumarca of Godeanu takes place every year; this feast day was introduced by Cuviosul Nicodim cel Sfințit de la Tismana. For those wishing to attend, the date and starting time of the respective feast day can be checked before travelling.

For the broader travel overview: Mehedinti.