Horezu is a quiet mountain town, but it can captivate you as soon as you step on those lands. Find out what tourist attractions you can’t miss when you arrive in Horezu!
Surrounded by an impressive natural mountain landscape, the Capațânii mountains, Măgura Slătioarei, the hills of Negruleşti, Costeștil and Tomșani, Horezu is the most important pottery center in the country.
The town of Horezu is mentioned for the first time in the document given in Râmnic on September 5, 1487, by the voivode Vlad Calugărul. The village is then donated by Constantin Brâncoveanu to Hurez Monastery. The settlement developed a little more after 1780 when it became known as the “Horezu Fair”.
Tourist attractions you can visit in Horezu
Hurezi Monastery is the largest ensemble of medieval architecture in Wallachia, a UNESCO monument, founded by Constantin Brâncoveanu, with the church of the Holy Emperors Constantine and Helen (1690-1693) with remarkable murals (votive painting) and the empty tomb of the founder. Also within the monastery are the chapel, the gazebo of Dionysius (with remarkable sculptures), the church museum, as well as the hermitage of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul (1698) and the hermitage of St. Stephen (1703), but also the church of the Holy Angels (1700), with paintings murals from 1757. Inside the monastery, there is a water mill, also here there are artistic woodworking workshops.
The Annual Pottery Fair “Cocoșul de Horezu”
The Annual Pottery Fair “Cocoșul de Horezu” is organized on the “Stejari” plateau in the first week of June, since 1974. The masters skilled in the art of pottery make amazing clay compositions, which can be purchased by tourists.
The rooster is the emblem of the ceramic center of Horezu. The rooster comes from the houses in Oltenia, where it served as a warning signal: guard against the unknown, the symbol of victory, of the victory of light over darkness.
At the same time, the rooster is considered the symbol of the resurrection and immortality of the soul, the emblem of vigilance and pride. The representation of the rooster on the Horezu ceramic vessels is a varied one, the rooster being rendered in various chromatic ranges and hypostases: more proud, more colorful, more detailed, etc.
If you go on a day trip to Horezu, don’t miss another chance to see the only place in Romania where natural silk is obtained, but it is also woven, found in Vâlcea County, in Stoenești village.
What to do when you get to Horezu
You cannot say that you were in Horezu if you did not participate in a pottery workshop. So, if you are planning a day trip to Horezu, book a place at a pottery workshop. You will learn to model clay, and the fun will be just right!
Tips: In Horezu you can find pottery workshops in Paloși and Pietraru. If you are looking for something more traditional, head to the village of Olari, just 2 km away from Horezu.
From Horezu you can leave with original souvenirs that will surely arouse the admiration of your loved ones. But be careful because not all objects are 100% traditional. We recommend that you buy your souvenirs from Collias – the ladies here will show you the traditional and handmade objects and explain everything you want to know about the pottery traditions.
Simfonia Hotel located in Râmnicu-Vâlcea is the ideal accommodation when traveling in the Vâlcea area, being a pleasant, welcoming place where the harmonious combination of luxury, comfort, and elegance will delight the hearts of those it hosts.
