Comuna Brădești offers a cultural and historical perspective on Roman settlements and forts, a Geto-Dacian fortification and churches with older predecessors. Specific place names and landmarks help with orientation: the Roman settlement at Răcarii de Jos is near Răcari CFR railway station; further historical connections can be found at Valea Rea, in Brădești and in Brădeștii Bătrâni. The different themes can thus be explored through their own locations and dates.
Roman Traces and Specific Locations
The Roman settlement at Răcarii de Jos lies 150 metres southwest of Răcari CFR railway station and is dated to the 2nd century AD. The Roman fort at Răcari is located at the railway station itself. The station is therefore a prominent landmark: it is both the site of the fort and near a settlement located 150 metres to the southwest.
The fort at Răcarii de Jos is also dated to the early Roman Imperial period of the 2nd century. It has four construction phases, two built in earth and two in stone. The date places the fort in time, while the division by building material makes its four phases another tangible aspect of its construction history. Another specific location is also given for this fort: it lies by the bridge at Scăiești, two kilometres from the Jiu River. The railway station, bridge and river thus provide different landmarks for the Roman remains.
The Fortification at Valea Rea
An archaeological area known as “Cetate” is recorded at Valea Rea in Brădeștii Bătrâni. The Cetatea dacică de la Brădeşti – Valea Rea is classified as a Geto-Dacian fortification and dated to the 2nd to 4th centuries AD. Its time span thus extends beyond the 2nd century, to which the Roman settlement and fort remains mentioned above are dated. The archaeological description places the fortification on the summit of a hill used for agriculture. Its name, classification, dating and landscape setting provide different points of reference for distinguishing this site from the Roman locations.
Churches and Historical Dates
The churches also provide specific dates for historical context. Biserica „Sf. Arhanghel Mihail” is an Orthodox church in Brădeștii Bătrâni. It is dated to 1751 and stands on the site of a wooden church from 1651. These two dates distinguish the earlier church building from the later church at the same location. In Brădești, Biserica „Sf. Ioan Botezătorul” is dated to 1825. The three dates—1651, 1751 and 1825—mark different stages in the history of the churches without conflating the two churches.
Another historical date relates to Tatomirești: the settlement is documented in a charter issued by Constantin Brâncoveanu in 1700. This written mention complements the archaeological and ecclesiastical connections. The celebration “1 Mai – Ziua comunei” is also part of the local event tradition. A municipal account records it as taking place annually on 1 May from 2009; an earlier programme included a folk performance. If you are considering the celebration as a reason to travel, check that year’s programme in advance.
When looking for holiday accommodation, you can first decide which of these themes will shape your trip: Roman history, the fortification, churches or the history of local events.
Discover more destinations: Răcarii de Jos, Comuna Malu Mare, Comuna Rojiște.
For the broader travel overview: Dolj.
