Aluniş: Village Culture and Hilly Landscape in Prahova

Culture and History

Aluniş combines village architectural heritage with places of remembrance and ecclesiastical tradition. In the village of Aluniş, Aluniş commune, the Dumitru Popa House dates from the late 19th century. The Ion Vişan House was built in the early 20th century. The historic Prăvălie şi cârciumă building also dates from the late 19th century. The Salonul de dans Anghel Nicolae is a listed building from 1920. Within the La Biserică archaeological site, the Sfinţii Trei Ierarhi Church was built in 1883. Together, residential houses, a former commercial and tavern building, a dance salon and a church represent different facets of local history.

Monuments also form part of the commune's cultural landscape. The Monument to the Unknown Soldier was created by the folk sculptor Chiva Constantin in memory of his son, who fell at the front. The Heroes' Monument was moved to another location in the centre of Aluniş commune in 2003 and rebuilt there. Both places carry their own layer of remembrance, while the second monument also reflects a change in the public townscape.

Festivals and Cultural Life

The folk festival “Ziua Recoltei” was held from 2009 onwards under the name “Ziua Alunului” on the last Sunday in September. In addition, the harvest festival “Ziua Recoltei” was held from 2000 onwards on the third Sunday in October. The two traditional dates fall in different months of autumn and therefore represent different points in the annual cycle. An annually organised painting camp was also held at the Aluniş Cultural Centre. For travel planning, dates and current opening hours for cultural attractions should be checked in advance.

Landscape and Nature

Aluniş is part of a hilly landscape located approximately in the centre of Prahova County, regarded as a hilly area with a rich village cultural heritage. The territory of Aluniş commune lies in the Prahova Subcarpathians. The commune is situated in the valley of the Aluniş River, a tributary of the Bertea. The actual hilly landscape within the commune reaches elevations of over 450 metres.

The natural area includes the Ghioaca–Valea Cireşului Nature Reserve. Within the territory of Aluniş commune, it covers 88 hectares and contains an old forest dominated by beech, oak, linden, hornbeam and other deciduous tree species. The Valea Cărpinoasa hydrological nature reserve comprises three sulphurous springs, which were used particularly for treating digestive complaints.

Routes and Regional Connections

The Drumul Fructelor cycling route passes through Aluniş. The corridor of county road DJ 101T runs through Valea Doftanei, Bertea, Aluniş and Vărbilău. The corridor of county road DJ 214 runs through Telega, Brebu and Aluniş. Before travelling on a selected route, it is advisable to check current road conditions and traffic information.

Other places: Homorâciu, Măneciu-Ungureni, Surani, Valea Doftanei, Buşteni, Blejoi, Băneşti and Bărcănești.

To the main travel overview: Prahova.