Fântânele on the Danube Valley: History and Springs

Landscape and Local History

Fântânele lies on the left slope of the Danube Valley. Numerous springs emerged at the foot of the slope by the Danube Valley. The name Fântânele is associated with these springs. Later, the springs were enclosed by means of channels and stone basins. The enclosed springs bear the names “La tuturca” and “Fântâna lui Tudorcea”, respectively.

Until 1930, the original village centre lay on the northern shore of Balta Suhaia. After 1930, the settlement began to spread into the plain along the road from Zimnicea to Turnu Măgurele. National road DN 51A runs between Zimnicea and Turnu Măgurele. Fântânele is crossed by this national road. The road runs through the village from east to west.

The history of the place thus links the former village centre on the northern shore of Balta Suhaia with the later expansion into the plain. The springs are located at the foot of the slope as named and enclosed sites.

Culture and History

The medieval settlement of Fântânele is dated to the Early Middle Ages. More precisely, it dates to the 10th century. The La Tène necropolis of Fântânele is a mound-like Geto-Dacian burial site. It dates from the 4th century BC. The necropolis lies east of the village. It is located on the right-hand side of the road from Turnu Măgurele to Zimnicea.

Fântânele therefore contains a medieval settlement and a considerably older burial site from different periods. The necropolis is precisely located geographically by its position east of the village and alongside the road from Turnu Măgurele to Zimnicea. Its designation as a La Tène necropolis also refers to the Geto-Dacian burial site from the 4th century BC.

Church and Remembrance

The present-day church “Adormirea Maicii Domnului” stands in Fântânele. It was built in 1987. The church bears the patronage of an older church. This older church has since fallen into disrepair. The present-day church was consecrated on 30 September 1990.

The church has a cruciform floor plan. The floor plan is made of brick. The church has a vestibule in the Brâncovenesc style. Four columns support this vestibule.

A monument to fallen heroes stands in the churchyard of Fântânele. It commemorates the heroes who died in the two world wars.

The present-day church thus combines its construction in 1987 with its consecration on 30 September 1990. Its patronage refers to the older church, which has since fallen into disrepair. The cruciform brick floor plan and the vestibule in the Brâncovenesc style, supported by four columns, define the documented architectural features. In the churchyard, the monument to fallen heroes adds remembrance of those who died in the two world wars to the church complex.

Local Designation and Accommodation

Fântânele is one of the villages in Teleorman County. The designation “bradoși” is documented there for this culinary tradition.

The La Nașu guesthouse is located in Fântânele and offers camping and pitches for caravans there by prior arrangement.

Other Places

Other places on the same level are: Zimnicea, Alexandria, Suhaia, Baciu, Stefan-Cel-Mare, Turnu Măgurele, Islaz, Marița

To the higher-level travel overview: Teleorman.