Horezu: Ceramics, Monastery and Mountains

The ceramics of Horezu are a unique traditional craft, handmade in the northern part of Vâlcea County in Romania. Horezu potters make red pottery from earth; to do so, the earth is cleaned, cut, soaked, kneaded, trampled and mixed. Jirăvitul is a decorative technique used exclusively by potters from Horezu. Horezu and the associated village of Olari preserve traditional forms and motifs, as well as the knowledge, practices and techniques for making Horezu ceramics that have been passed down through generations.

Culture

In the local potters’ workshops in the former village of Olari, which is now part of Horezu, visitors can explore the clay-processing process at the potter’s wheel. The Cocoșul de Hurez fair features ceramic exhibitions, the sale of ceramics, folk performances and interactive workshops. The ceramics represent both a product made from processed earth and the forms, motifs and techniques preserved over generations.

History

The Horezu Monastery was founded in 1690 by Prince Constantine Brancovan. It is a masterpiece of the Brâncoveanu style and is known for its architectural clarity and balance, the richness of its sculptural details, its religious compositions, votive portraits and painted decorative works. The school of mural and icon painting founded at Horezu Monastery in the 18th century was famous throughout the Balkan region. Gheorghița Măldărescu built the Cula Duca Măldărești in 1812.

Activities

The Hurezi Monastery ensemble, a UNESCO monument, is located 4 km from the centre of Horezu in the village of Romanii de Jos. Two approved, marked and signposted mountain hiking trails begin in Horezu. The first listed mountain hiking trail is 21 km long, of moderate difficulty and starts at Strada Olari. The route length, difficulty level and designated starting point give this tour a clearly defined hiking format. The Vârful lui Roman ski slope in Horezu is approved under Certificate No. 259/2019, is 535 m long and classified as easy.

Getting There

National road DN 67 passes through Horezu and connects the town with major European trunk roads. National road DN 65C provides a road connection from Craiova to Horezu via Bălcești. Buses operate between Horezu and major towns in Vâlcea County and Romania according to a fixed timetable; seats can be reserved. When staying in Horezu, a holiday apartment can be included as accommodation in your personal travel planning; the choice of accommodation remains entirely up to your own ideas about the stay and your personal needs.

Other Places

For further orientation within the same broader area, Perişani, Pietrișu, Căinenii Mici, Gura Văii, Banesti, Râmnicu Vâlcea, Călimănești and Blidari are available.

To the higher-level travel overview: Vâlcea.