Discover Măgurele: Churches, History and the Teleajen

Those looking for archaeological traces in Măgurele will find three golden fibulae depicting the goddess Bendis on the commune’s coat of arms; they symbolise the archaeological treasure of Coada Malului. The Coada Malului treasure is a complex of jewellery and clothing accessories dating from the middle of the 1st century BC, discovered in 1932; the National History Museum of Romania lists it in its permanent exhibition “Tezaur Istoric”. An early written record mentions the settlement of Măgurele in 1503 under the older name “Măgureni” in a document from the time of Prince Radu cel Mare. The National History Museum of Romania lists the Coada Malului treasure in its permanent exhibition “Tezaur Istoric”, where the find appears under its name in the museum’s permanently displayed historical collection.

Culture and History

In the upper part of Măgurele, the “Sfânta Treime” Church was built in 1780 in a simple architectural style associated with folk art. Major repairs were carried out at the church in 1830 and again between 1904 and 1906, funded by the villagers. The bell tower of “Sfânta Treime” was built between 1925 and 1927. The entire interior painting was renewed between 1935 and 1936 by the painter Gr. Constantinescu from the commune of Gornet.

In the lower part of Măgurele, the “Adormirea Maicii Domnului” Church is considered the oldest church in the village and lies between the foothills of Măgurele Hill and the Teleajen River. Excavations around the church established that a considerably older church had previously stood on the existing foundation.

Memorial Sites

The Măgurele Heroes’ Monument was erected in front of the local school in 1937. It commemorates those who fell in the War of Independence and in the First and Second World Wars. Marble plaques bearing the names of the fallen are located on all four sides of the monument.

Landscape and Routes

The commune of Măgurele lies in the transitional area between the Ploiești Plain and the Subcarpathian hills. The Teleajen River crosses the Măgurele area and forms the commune’s western boundary. The low Măgurele terrace runs along the left bank of the Teleajen and also includes the commune of Măgurele.

National Road DN 1A between Ploiești and Brașov passes through the commune of Măgurele. Railway line M 304 also passes through the commune and connects Ploiești with the settlements in the Teleajen Valley; its terminus is Măneciu.

Regional Destinations and Culinary Delights

From a tourism perspective, the settlement of Măgurele lies at the intersection of three highly attractive areas: the spa resort of Cheia with the route through the Teleajen Valley, the Prahova Valley with the mountain resorts of Sinaia, Bușteni and Predeal, and the climatic spa resort of Slănic.

At the first Autumn Fruit Festival, 17 autumn-themed stalls were set up, offering all kinds of delicacies for sale.

Other Places

More destinations to explore: Bughea De Jos, Berceni, Surani, Ploieşti, Homorâciu, Valenii De Munte, Talea and Manastirea Suzana.

For the higher-level travel overview: Prahova.