Costești lies in the south of Argeș County, in the Pitești Plain and on the banks of the Teleorman River. Historic churches, an ethnographic museum and local traditions shape its cultural character. The surrounding area also offers opportunities for walks, hikes and cycling tours.
Churches and Architectural History
The “Sfântul Prooroc Ilie” Cathedral in Costești is a historic monument of national importance. It is the only church in Argeș County whose consecration was attended by a king.
The wooden “Sfântul Mare Mucenic Pantelimon” Church is located on the grounds of the Costești City Hospital. Its setting is secluded and peaceful, surrounded by trees and vegetation. The church was moved there from Lereni in the commune of Bârla. Following its reconstruction between 1997 and 1998, it was reconsecrated for worship on 27 July 2001.
Casa Bădescu is a building of national heritage. Its architecture was preserved during its restoration.
The wooden “Cuvioasa Parascheva” Church stands in Zorile and is an architectural monument of national importance. It is officially dated to 1807 and lies three kilometres from the centre of Costești. From the city centre, it can be reached via the railway crossing and county road DJ703B. Check the road conditions before setting out.
Nearby, in Telești, is the wooden “Înălțarea Domnului” Church. From National Road 65A, it can be reached via a one-kilometre turnoff on the left; here, too, it is advisable to check the road conditions before setting out. The church is documented from 1773; this date refers to the renewal of its shingle roof. Its rectangular nave and set-back, also rectangular, altar apse describe the layout of the building. The dates refer to different things: 1807 is the official date for “Cuvioasa Parascheva”, while 1773 refers to the shingle-roof renewal at “Înălțarea Domnului”.
Museum and Local Traditions
The Costești Ethnographic Museum was established in 2013. It is on the first floor of the Cultural Centre at 44 Strada Victoriei. It was created as part of the project “Valorificarea tradiţiilor culturale şi spirituale locale”, with volunteer school pupils, university students and teachers taking part.
Costești’s local traditions are shaped by singing, dance, folk costume and the ancient Căluș ritual. The “Mugurelul” folk ensemble of the Costești Cultural Centre brings folk dance, folk costume, music and the local Căluș tradition to the stage.
The Fair on 20 July
The “Sfântul Ilie” Annual Traditional Fair takes place every year on 20 July at the Costești City Stadium. The programme includes numerous cultural performances in honour of the city’s spiritual patron. If you are planning your trip around the fair, check the confirmed event details for your year of travel in advance.
Landscape and Activities Nearby
The landscape around Costești includes hills and the Teleorman floodplain. The surrounding area is suitable for walks, hikes and cycling tours. Alongside the architecture and local culture, outdoor activities offer another option to consider when planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Budeasa Mare, Bălilești, Godeni, Dragoslavele, Oeștii Pământeni, Curtea De Argeş, Nucşoara, Rucar.
For the broader travel overview: Argeş.
