In Tutova, the Pădurea Bădeana nature reserve and historic traces from different periods come together: archaeological settlement sites, ecclesiastical history and local traditions.
The Pădurea Bădeana Nature Reserve
The Natura 2000 site ROSCI0133 Pădurea Bădeana almost entirely encompasses the national nature reserve RONPA0794 Pădurea Bădeana. The Natura 2000 site covers 58.60 hectares. Pădurea Bădeana is a national nature reserve in IUCN Category IV and is classified as a forest and botanical nature reserve. The area figure and protection category refer to different characteristics: 58.60 hectares denotes the extent of the Natura 2000 site, while Category IV denotes the national protected-area designation. In addition to its forest and botanical classification, the fire-bellied toad is a specifically named protected species in the area.
The protected features also include the fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina), which is listed in Annex II of Directive 92/43/EEC as an amphibian and reptile species. Pădurea Bădeana is considered suitable for excursions.
Location and Excursion Information
Pădurea Bădeana lies between Bădeana to the east and Pogonești to the west, close to national road DN 24. A tourist route in Vaslui County runs from Bârlad via Tutova (Bădena), Bogdăniţa and Fruntişeni to Zorleni. If you plan to follow this route, check road conditions for your intended travel date.
Settlement Sites, Church, Railway and Local Traditions
Two archaeological settlement sites reflect different historical periods. The Aşezarea de la Bădeana-Lot 1-5 (Valea Ţaga) site includes a medieval settlement area dating from the 15th century. Aşezarea modernă de la Tutova - Lot 1-1 is a 19th-century settlement site. Before visiting the sites, check whether visitors are permitted and how they can access them.
The Orthodox church of Parohia Ciortolom also offers a dated historical reference point: it dates to 1864.
Local History and Traditions
Local history describes Tutova as an old Moldavian settlement from the feudal period during the reign of Stephen the Great. According to tradition, Tutova's first human settlement was a kind of inn belonging to the boyar Costăchescu. The timeline extends beyond the archaeological sites: the church of Parohia Ciortolom dates to 1864; the temporary station near Bârlad was established around 1881 and replaced in 1910.
The development of the railway around Tutova included a temporary station built near Bârlad around 1881. In 1910, a later station replaced the old one. The local place known as „La Stejări“ in Bădeana is associated with an centuries-old oak tree.
A local account, updated in 2022, described people coming to pray and light candles in the shade of the oak. The tree thus connects „La Stejări“ with a local devotional practice; for visitors interested in culture, this offers a specific link to the religious tradition in Bădeana.
For the broader travel overview: Comuna Tutova.
