Horezu: Ceramics, Monastery, Hiking Trails and Winter Sports

Horezu ceramics are a unique traditional craft made by hand in the northern part of Vâlcea County in Romania. For a visit, cultural and active pursuits can be considered side by side. The topics can be arranged according to interests and the time available.

Culture

The potters of Horezu produce red ceramics from earth that is cleaned, cut, watered, kneaded, trodden and mixed. Jirăvitul is a decorative technique used exclusively by potters from Horezu. Horezu and the associated village of Olari preserve traditional forms and motifs, as well as the knowledge, practices and techniques for producing Horezu ceramics that have been passed down through generations.

The monastery of Horezu was founded in 1690 by Prince Constantine Brancovan. It is a masterpiece of the Brâncoveanu style and is known for its architectural clarity and balance, the richness of its sculptural details, its religious compositions, votive portraits and painted decorative works. The school of mural and icon painting founded at the monastery of Horezu in the 18th century was famous throughout the Balkan region.

The Hurezi Monastery ensemble, a UNESCO monument, is located 4 km from the centre of Horezu in the village of Romanii de Jos.

Activities

Two approved, marked and signposted mountain hiking trails begin in Horezu. The first trail listed is 21 km long, of medium difficulty and starts at Strada Olari. Another type of activity is the Vârful lui Roman ski slope in Horezu: it is approved under certificate no. 259/2019, is 535 m long and is classified as easy. The different lengths and difficulty ratings provide a direct basis for comparison when planning the day.

In the local potters’ workshops in the former village of Olari, which is now part of Horezu, visitors can explore the process of working with clay on the potter’s wheel. The Cocoșul de Hurez fair offers ceramics exhibitions, the sale of ceramics, folkloric performances and interactive workshops. Cula Duca Măldărești was built in 1812 by Gheorghița Măldărescu.

Transport connections

National road DN 67 crosses Horezu and connects the town with major European trunk roads. Via Bălcești, national road DN 65C provides a road connection from Craiova to Horezu. Buses operate on a fixed timetable between Horezu and major cities in Vâlcea County and Romania; seats can be reserved.

When comparing hotels for a trip to Horezu, you can compare travel dates, room category and cancellation policies on the offer pages. Such a comparison keeps the specific booking details separate from the choice of destination and leaves room to organise cultural attractions, trails or winter sports according to your own travel dates and preferred type of stay.

More destination pages

More destination pages for planning your trip: Ciungetu, Malaia, Costeşti, Gura Văii, Râmnicu Vâlcea, Pietrișu, Vaideeni, Obârşia Lotrului.

To the main travel overview: Vâlcea.