Odaia Manolache: Church, Local History and Caloian

Odaia Manolache combines a parish church built in 1783 with the Valul de pământ de la Odaia Manolache, a structure designated as a Roman defensive earthwork. It lies along an ancient defensive line 90 kilometres long, which was classified in 1992 as a monument of national and international importance.

Church and Local History

The parish church of Saint George the Great Martyr stands on the settlement’s cemetery hill. Its furnishings include a wooden iconostasis with Neo-Byzantine icons and Slavic inscriptions. Thus, the building’s date, its location within the settlement and distinctive elements of the interior furnishings come together in a single place of worship.

Recorded Place Names

The history of the place is also linked to several names differing in time and geographical reference. On 8 April 1603, the northern part of present-day Odaia Manolache is recorded as Slobozia Movilei, also called Scândureni. A document dated 8 September 1675 lists Odaia Manolache under the name Tomuzeni. On 15 October 1688, part of the estate bore the name Munteni and was also called Cinci Câini.

The three names therefore refer to different historical details: the northern part of today’s settlement, the place name Tomuzeni and part of the estate at that time. The respective dates and geographical references remain separate.

Valul lui Traian and Transport

The route of Valul lui Traian crosses Odaia Manolache from southwest to northeast. The named line and the direction of its course are among the defining geographical details of the place. Public transport includes a connection with bus route 50, which runs between Odaia Manolache and Piața Centrală in Galați. Thus, a historical route and a specific bus connection are both relevant when considering the place.

Music and Customs

“Glasul Odăieșilor”, coordinated by Ecaterina Hulea, who was born in Odaia Manolache, marked 20 years of activity dedicated to preserving and promoting folk song. The group from Odaia Manolache performed songs and stories for audiences, as well as traditional techniques for making folk costumes and traditional Romanian objects. Its repertoire includes doina songs, laments and cheerful melodies associated with important gatherings.

The Caloian rite is also one of the traditional customs of the place. Traditionally, it was observed three weeks after Easter; a clay doll was made and decorated with red eggshells. The doll was mourned for two nights. On the third day, it was set afloat on the village stream or buried in a wheat field. In 2025, a Caloian was made, mourned and carried to the spring in Odaia Manolache.

More destinations

More destinations: Galaţi, Poiana, Ivești, Slobozia Oancea, Tulucești, Șendreni.

To the main travel overview: Galati.