Lunca Mare combines a long, stretched settlement with the river landscape of the Doftana Valley. The village lies on the right bank of the Doftana; part of it extends up the western slope. Those choosing Lunca Mare for a stay will find two defining points of reference: the riverbank and the rising edge of the village.
Along the Doftana River and the Western Slope
Near Lunca Mare, the floodplain of the Doftana Valley widens considerably. Sand and gravel accumulate along flatter sections of the slopes. This creates braided and meandering stretches of the river. The floodplain, riverbank and slope give the village its distinctive landscape, which can be followed from the elongated settlement up to the western slope.
The broader course of the Doftana also helps put the landscape into context: the river rises in the Ciucaș Mountains at an altitude of 1,450 metres, flows for 44 kilometres and joins the Prahova near Bănești. Lunca Mare lies along one section of this river system; the broad floodplain and braided and meandering stretches of river are the village’s distinctive landscape features.
Church Architecture and Local History
A historical map, the Harta lui Cuza of 1864, lists Lunca Mare alongside Șotrile and Vistieru. The Biserica Sfântul Pantelimon is counted among the ecclesiastical monuments of Șotrile commune. Construction began in 1908 and was completed in 1909. The church has a cruciform floor plan, three towers, brick walls and a sheet-metal roof.
The patron saint’s feast of the Biserica Sfântul Pantelimon takes place every year on 27 July. If you would like to plan your trip around this date, check the latest information about the feast.
Local tradition tells of the shepherd Ion Tudor, known as Iepuraș, who stopped first near Podul Cheii and then in Lunca Mare with his brothers in 1802. The story is a historical tradition and describes the brothers’ two stops. Together with the 1864 map and the church’s construction history, it offers different points of reference for exploring the village’s past.
Getting Around and Activities in the Doftana Valley
County road DJ102I connects Câmpina, Paltinu and Valea Doftanei. It is 15 kilometres long and passes through Lunca Mare, Plaiu Câmpinei and Seciuri. For orientation, Lunca Mare is four kilometres from the seat of Șotrile commune. Road conditions can vary; check them before setting out.
A published cycling tour through the Doftana Valley passes via Lacul Paltinu and Lunca Mare to Câmpina. A ride recorded in 2018 covered 45.2 kilometres. In good conditions, the route can be ridden on a road bike, hybrid bike or mountain bike; some details may now be outdated. Check the current route information and road conditions before setting out.
Another option, with a different focus, is an ATV excursion. The Pietriceaua ATV route goes as far as Cheile Doftanei, then descends to the Doftana River, crosses it and returns to the base. A local operator also advertises guided ATV excursions through the Doftana River gorge, accompanied by local experts. Check directly with the operator whether guided rides are available.
For the broader travel overview: Comuna Șotrile.
