Fântânele lies on the left slope of the Danube Valley; the DN 51A national road between Zimnicea and Turnu Măgurele runs through the village from east to west. The village’s history includes a La Tène necropolis, a medieval settlement, and the story of the village center, springs, and church. These themes span several distinct historical periods and bring together the history of the landscape and its settlements.
Village development and springs
The name Fântânele is associated with numerous springs that emerged at the foot of the slope in the Danube Valley. Later, the springs were enclosed with channels and stone basins and given the names “La tuturca” and “Fântâna lui Tudorcea.” The names and the structures enclosing the springs are part of a landscape history closely connected with the slope and its foot.
The village center also changed location. Until 1930, the original village center was on the northern shore of Balta Suhaia. After that, the settlement began to shift onto the plain along the road from Zimnicea to Turnu Măgurele. Thus, the village’s development reflects two distinct spatial settings: the former shore and the later orientation along the road.
Archaeological periods
The medieval settlement of Fântânele dates to the early Middle Ages, more precisely to the 10th century. The La Tène necropolis represents a much earlier period: it is a mound-shaped Geto-Dacian burial site dating to the 4th century BC. It lies east of the village, on the right-hand side of the road from Turnu Măgurele to Zimnicea. The two archaeological sites therefore have different functions and dates: one is an early medieval settlement, the other an ancient burial site.
Church and remembrance
The present-day Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God (“Adormirea Maicii Domnului”) was built in 1987 and consecrated on September 30, 1990. Its construction and consecration mark two different milestones in its recent history. The brick church has a cruciform floor plan; its Brâncovenesc-style porch is supported by four columns. It is dedicated to the same patron saint as an older church, which has since fallen into disrepair.
A heroes’ monument stands in the churchyard, commemorating the heroes who died in the two world wars. Together with the church, it adds another perspective to the village’s history: architecture and religious history meet here with remembrance of those who died in the world wars.
Food culture and accommodation
Food culture is another regional point of reference. In several villages in Teleorman County, including Fântânele, “bradoși” is the name given to this culinary tradition. This culinary theme adds another layer to the village’s archaeological and church-history periods.
As a specific accommodation option, the La Nașu guesthouse in Fântânele offers camping and caravan pitches by prior arrangement. Contact the guesthouse before your trip to check whether a pitch is available for your chosen dates.
Discover more destinations: Suhaia, Bogdana, Baciu, Zimnicea, Videle, Stefan-Cel-Mare, Alexandria, Islaz
For the broader travel overview: Teleorman.
