Lunca Mare: River Landscape, History and Routes in the Doftana Valley

On the right bank of the Doftana River, Lunca Mare has a stretched-out settlement pattern. Part of the settlement extends up the western slope, while the floodplain of the Doftana Valley widens noticeably near Lunca Mare. The local landscape therefore combines the riverfront setting with the rising settlement areas on the slope and the broader valley floor.

Nature

In the flatter sections of the slopes near Lunca Mare, sand and gravel accumulate, creating braided and meandering sections of the Doftana River. The Doftana rises in the Ciucaș Mountains at an altitude of 1,450 metres and flows for 44 kilometres before joining the Prahova River near Bănești.

Getting Around

County road DJ102I connects Câmpina, Paltinu and Valea Doftanei. The 15-kilometre road passes through Lunca Mare, Plaiu Câmpinei and Seciuri. Lunca Mare is 4 kilometres from the headquarters of Șotrile commune. The road connection thus links the settlement with several points in the Doftana Valley while also passing through the built-up area of Lunca Mare.

The Pietriceaua ATV route leads to Cheile Doftanei, then descends to the Doftana River, crosses it and returns to the base. A local provider advertises guided ATV excursions through the gorge of the Doftana River, accompanied by local experts. The route therefore includes both the gorge and the river section and follows a return to the starting base.

A cycling tour through the Doftana Valley runs via Lacul Paltinu and Lunca Mare to Câmpina; in good conditions, it can be ridden on a road bike, cyclocross bike or mountain bike. The cycling tour through the Doftana Valley covers 45.2 kilometres. The route connects the lake, Lunca Mare and Câmpina in one continuous tour, while the listed bicycle types allow for different ways of riding in good conditions.

History and Culture

Lunca Mare appears on Cuza’s Map of 1864 alongside Șotrile and Vistieru. According to the parish history, the beginnings of Lunca Mare can be traced to before 1800; the first households are attributed to Transylvanians who were fleeing because of Austro-Hungarian rule.

A local historical tradition reports that in 1802 the shepherd Ion Tudor, known as Iepuraș, stopped first near Podul Cheii with his brothers and subsequently in Lunca Mare. The account thus mentions both the stay near Podul Cheii and the later stop in Lunca Mare.

The Church of Saint Pantaleon in Lunca Mare is counted among the ecclesiastical monuments of Șotrile commune. Construction began in 1908 and was completed in 1909. The newer Church of Saint Pantaleon has a cruciform floor plan, three towers, brick walls and a sheet-metal roof. The church’s patronal feast is held every year on 27 July.

For the main travel overview: Șotrile Commune.