Nișcov Valley

THE NIȘCOV VALLEY – HISTORY, LEGEND, AND SUBCARPATHIAN LANDSCAPES

Located in the Curvature Subcarpathians, west of the city of Buzău and traversed by the Nișcov River, this valley is a space where the natural setting (gentle hills, forests, flowing waters) intertwines with a rich historical treasure. The legend of Lady Neaga, the ruins of ancient fortresses, fortified monasteries, and numerous gastronomic and adventure experiences make the Nișcov Valley a particularly attractive area.
The main route follows DJ 100H, passing through picturesque localities – Vernești, Nișcov, Cârlomănești, Mierea, Grăjdana, Izvoranu, Leiculești, Haleș, Tisău – and can continue to the monument “Mihai Viteazul’s Fountain” (Ciuta, at the intersection with DN10). At every step, you will discover places where nature, history, and traditions harmoniously blend.

Photo: Sat Ciuta- Georgian Ene

LANDSCAPE AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

The Nișcov River, once with a more abundant flow, spans approximately 40 km (over 30 km within Buzău County). It connects the Subcarpathian hilly area and empties into the Buzău River near the village of Vernești.

  • Relief: Forested hills, meadows, vineyards, and limestone slopes with shelly rocks, shaped by the waters of the Nișcov and its tributaries.
  • Fauna and Flora: A diversity typical of the Subcarpathians – foxes, hares, pheasants; fruit trees (plums, apples) and forest clearings sheltering numerous native species.

HISTORY, LEGENDS, AND TRADITIONS

From Dacians to Lady Neaga

  • The Dacian Fortress of Cârlomănești: Romania’s first open-air museum of the davă type. Archaeological research, initiated in 1967, has uncovered remnants from the Bronze Age (Monteoru culture) and the Geto-Dacian period, including the famous “Wolf of Cârlomănești” statuette.
  • Lady Neaga, the wife of Voivode Mihnea Turcitul (late 16th century), is a legendary figure associated with numerous foundations and stories of courage and resistance against the Ottomans.

Fairs and Refuges

  • During the Russo-Turkish Wars (1806–1812), locals from Buzău, whose market had been destroyed, found refuge in the Nișcov Valley. Thus, Nișcov became the temporary commercial and cultural center of the county.
  • Churches, schools, and villages such as Cârlomănești, Săsenii Noi/Vechi, Mierea, are linked to the historical development of the area.

MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Monuments and Historical Sites

  1. “Annunciation” Church (Vernești)
  • Founded between 1714–1721 by the sons of Logofăt Stanciu Vernescu.
  • Valuable examples of Muntenian religious architecture.

The Fortress (dava) of Cârlomănești

      • An archaeological site with multiple layers of habitation, from the Monteoru culture to the Dacian era.
      • Partially reconstructed open-air museum.

Ruins of the Cucuiata Fortress (near Grăjdana)

  • A medieval observation tower, considered the foundation of Lady Neaga.
  • Offers panoramas of the valley and an insight into 16th-century history.

“St. Nicholas” Church in Izvoranu

  • A former princely monastery dating back to the time of Mihai Viteazul.
  • Founded by Luca from Cyprus (Metropolitan of Wallachia), who is buried here – a unique feature for a free church in Romania.

Barbu Monastery (Leiculești, Tisău)

  • Founded between 1662–1669 by Captain Barbu Bădeanu.
  • A historical monument with the patron saint “St. Nicholas.”

Bradu Monastery (Haleș village)

  • Also known as “Lady Neaga’s Fortress,” rebuilt by her and later by Constantin Brâncoveanu.
  • A fortified complex (enclosure walls, corner towers, the Princely House) with the “St. Dumitru” church.

Places of Worship and Cultural Spaces in the Area

Ciolanu Monastery and Măgura Sculpture Camp

  • The oldest monastic settlement in the county (attested in the 16th century), featuring two churches (the old one founded by Lady Neaga).

“Stone Sculpture Camp” Museum (1970–1985) with over 250 works created over 16 editions – a unique open-air artistic space.

Cetățuia Hermitage and Nifon Hermitage

  • Accessible via forest trails, approximately 30–40 minutes on foot from the Măgura area.
  • Important historical monuments dating from the 18th–19th centuries, hidden in the tranquility of the Subcarpathian woods.

Adventure and Entertainment Activities

Paintball (Grăjdana – Izvoranu)

  • A 5,500 m² field with a wooded area and obstacles; ideal for sports and strategy (tel. 0765.264.246).

Motocross Track (between Valea Sălciilor and Izvoranu)

  • The only certified motocross track in the county, attractive for enduro enthusiasts and motorcycle trekkers.
  • A camping area for caravans, perfect for a two-wheeled adventure.

Gastronomic Point “La Motoare” – member of the Slow Food Community Buzău

  • Located near the motocross area, offering traditional dishes and local specialties prepared from fresh ingredients.
  • Friendly atmosphere with a motorcycle theme, where travelers can enjoy special meals after a day full of adrenaline and exploration.

Cabana Ivoranu – member of the Slow Food Community Buzău 

  • Rural cabin in the forests with accommodation and restaurant

“Mihai Viteazul’s Fountain” Monument (Ciuta)

  • Located at the intersection of DJ 203G with DN10, marking the place where Mihai Viteazul and his army camped in October 1599.
  • Erected in 1975, created by sculptor Gheorghe Coman, co-initiator of the Măgura Sculpture Camp.

 

SUGGESTED ITINERARY AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Acces the 1 day itinerary for Niscov Valley here. 

Did You Know…

  • The Dacian Fortress of Cârlomănești was an important political, economic, and religious center during Burebista’s time.
  • The church in Izvoranu houses the only tomb of a metropolitan (Luca from Cyprus) in a free church in Romania.
  • Bradu Monastery served multiple times as a refuge for Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu and his family (1703, 1708, 1711).
  • In 1888, the first copy of the Tetraevanghelul printed by Coresi in 1560–1561 was discovered at Ciolanu Monastery.
  • Cetățuia Hill (near Cetățuia Hermitage) was considered by King Carol I for the construction of Peleș Castle before choosing Sinaia.