Cetățuia Hermitage
✨ Short description
The Cetățuia hermitage, located in the commune of Măgura, Buzău county, is a monastic site built in 1854 on a legendary hill that would have housed a Dacian fortress. The monastic settlement, dedicated to the Transfiguration and the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, is renowned for its tranquility and atmosphere of recollection. The stone church was built with the support of Bishop Filotei of Buzau and consecrated in 1862. The interior of the church was painted in 1868 with the support of King Charles I, whose portrait can be seen on the interior walls. Although lesser known than Ciolanu Monastery, the Cetățuia Hermitage offers visitors a unique spiritual experience and an impressive view of the surrounding natural landscape.
📜 History of the location
The Cetățuia hermitage was built in 1854 on a hill in the commune of Măgura, on a site that is believed to have been a former Dacian fortress. Before the church was built in 1849, two monks, Agaton the confessor and Joseph the Singhel, erected a large stone cross with an inscription. The stone church was built with the support of Bishop Filotei of Buzau and consecrated in 1862. It was repainted in 1868, financed by King Carol I, but the dampness of the walls damaged the original painting.
⭐ Importance and uniqueness of the location
The hermitage is remarkable for its secluded location in a beech and oak forest and for its connection with Dacian history. Legend has it that the Cetățuia hill was the site of a Dacian fortress and sanctuary, and artifacts from the Monteoru culture, dating back over 4000 years, have been discovered in the area. The hermitage is a place of tranquillity and retreat, overshadowed by the fame of the nearby Ciolanu Monastery, but prized for its spiritual atmosphere.
🐉 Local myths and stories
It is said that the Cetățuia hill was originally chosen by King Carol I to build a summer residence, but the lack of water sources led to the plan being abandoned. The allocated funds were redirected to paint the church, and the king’s portrait is painted on one of the interior walls of the old church.
🗺️ What to visit
- Old Church: Built of stone and decorated with interior paintings, it preserves the portrait of King Charles I.
- New Paraclete: A more spacious place used for Sunday services, highly appreciated by the local community.
- Surrounding natural area: The woods surrounding the hermitage provide a peaceful and picturesque natural setting, ideal for hiking and retreat.
📍 How to get there
The hermitage is accessible by two main routes:
- From the DN10 Buzău-Brașov, turn on 203G to the right of the Magura Tourist Complex, then follow the signposted forest road to the hermitage.
- From DN10, turn towards the monastery Ciolanu at Vernești, continue through Haleș and turn left on 203G, then turn left on the marked forest road.
GPS coordinates: N45.247100, E26.544894.
🔎Things to keep in mind
- Accessibility: The forest road can be difficult in wet weather; a suitable vehicle is recommended.
- Contributions and donations: The hermitage faces infrastructure problems, including lack of water. Donations are essential for its upkeep.
- Code of conduct: Visitors are asked to respect the peace and to dress appropriately.
⏳ Visiting hours and Fees
The hermitage is open daily, but it is recommended that you contact the monastic staff for further information on the visitation and Mass schedule.
Admission is free and donations are welcome.