Prahova Izvoarele is a district located in central Prahova County, Romania. It is the northernmost district of the county and is bordered to the north by the Buzău County, to the east by the city of Ploieşti, to the south by Măneşti and Costeşti, and to the west by Gheorghe Doja. The district’s main river is the Prahova, where the village of Izvoarele gets its name from. The district is home to many tourist attractions, such as Cheile Mărgăriţei, the Prahova Valley, and the Uzunu Monastery. The area is known for its natural beauty, stunning forests, and proximity to the city of Ploieşti. The district also consists of several small villages and the city of Câmpina, a former royal capital and home to the historical Cantacuzino Castle. The area is known for its culture, arts and crafts, traditional markets, and other attractions.
Prahova Izvoarele is a district in the Prahova county of Romania. The capital is Izvoarele and it is situated between the rivers Prahova and Teleajen. It is home to several tourist attractions and offers a range of leisure activities. Popular attractions in the area include the Bigar Waterfall and the Orhideea Trail. There are several hiking trails and biking trails, as well as several national parks, where one can enjoy a variety of nature and wildlife. The area is also home to numerous historic monuments, as well as a number of traditional villages, all of which are worth exploring. The district is also noted for wine production and hunting.
If you are travelling from Bucharest, you can go to Prahova Izvoarele district by car, bus, train or airplane, depending on the distance and your own preferences.
By Car – You can Drive from Bucharest to Prahova Izvoarele district, The Distance is about 104.6 km and the estimated driving time is about 1 hr 24 min.
By Bus – You can take a bus from Bucarest North Station and get off at the bus station in Ploiesti. From there, you can take a taxi or another public transportation to reach Prahova Izvoarele district. The estimated journey time is about 2 hr.
By Train – You can take a train from Bucarest North Station and get off at the train station in Ploiesti. From there, you can take a taxi or another public transportation to reach Prahova Izvoarele district. The journey time is about 2 hr 5 min.
By Air – You can book a flight from Bucharest to Ploiesti, and then take a taxi or other public transportation to reach Prahova Izvoarele district. The flight time is about 1 hr 3 min.
1. St. John the Baptist Church in Izvoarele – This 16th-century church is an architectural landmark in Izvoarele. It is renowned for its Baroque-style architecture and features beautiful frescoes. The basalt stone foundation and the stone portals of the entrance make it a significant example of Neo-Romanian art.
2. Ploișori Castle – This hilltop castle dates back to the 15th century and is situated in a picturesque village of Ploișori. It was built as a defense fortress and is one of the oldest monuments in Prahova County. It currently serves as a museum and a tourist destination where visitors can explore its corridors and chambers.
3. Mediaș Episcopio Church – This church was built in the 17th century and is a stunning example of Romanian art. It has undergone several renovation works, but still maintains its original Baroque-style architecture and ornate frescoes. The stunning wooden retable and the magnificently painted ceiling make this place a must-visit for history lovers.
4. Detunata Monastery – Detunata Monastery is a 16th-century complex near Urlați that was built as a sanctuary for monks meditating in nature. It is renowned for its splendid architectural beauty and its majestic frescoes. Visitors can explore its chapels, mosaic and limestone walls, as well as its courtyards.
5. Izvoare Fortress – The Izvoare Fortress was built in the 19th century in the small village of Izvoarele. It was part of Lațcu Vodă’s military fortress chain and is currently a major tourist attraction. It is a great place for sightseeing, as its ruins give plenty of clues about the region’s turbulent past.
1. Sinaia Monastery – One of the oldest monasteries in Romania, the Sinaia Monastery dates back to 1695 and is a great place to visit and explore. The monastery’s architecture is a mix of Byzantine, Gothic and Baroque styles, and it has several interesting art pieces and artifacts, including an original font used by John the Baptist and a frescoed Iconostasis.
2. Peles Castle – Located in the town of Sinaia, Peles Castle is an iconic Romanian landmark. Built between 1873-1883, the castle is a Neo-Renaissance masterpiece with elements of Baroque and Rococo style. It was once the Royal Summer residence of Romania’s first king, and tourists can take a guided tour inside the castle to see its many beautiful works of art, furniture and historical artifacts.
3. Cantacuzino Castle – Also known as the ‘Casino of Sinaia’, the Cantacuzino Castle is a former residence of the Cantacuzino family. Located just a few kilometers from the Peles Castle, the castle was built in 1911 and is a mixture of Gothic, Neo-Renaissance and Baroque styles. Visitors can explore the interiors of the castle, which feature stained glass windows, wood-paneled walls and Baroque period furniture.
4. Dimitri castle – This 11th century fortress was once a refuge for Romanian kings and was used to protect them from invaders. Located near the town of Sinaia, it is made of red stone, and is a great place to explore and take in the history of Romania.
5. Caraiman Cross – This huge cross stands atop the Caraiman Mountains and can be seen from the city of Sinaia, making it a great place to view the natural beauty of the area. The cross was built in 1926 to commemorate the Romanian soldiers lost in World War I.
Prahova Izvoarele district is a popular destination for domestic and international visitors. The district’s rolling hills, valleys, forests, and riverbanks are home to a variety of outdoor activities and attractions.
• Hiking: The surrounding hills and valleys are popular with those looking to take in the stunning views and natural beauty of the region. As well as traditional trails, there are also several mountain biking routes in the area.
• Fishing: The Prahova River is a great spot for sports fishing, while the small lakes around Izvoarele are also popular.
• Skiing: The area is home to several ski resorts, providing a range of runs suitable for all levels of skier.
• Horse Riding: Several traditional ranches offer Pony and Horse trekking tours, allowing visitors to take in the beautiful scenery from the back of a horse.
• Wildlife: Among the wildlife here, visitors can spot wild boars, deer, and wild cats- making this area a great place to observe nature.
• Cultural attractions: Izvoarele is home to a variety of historic churches and monasteries, many of which are open for guided tours. There is also a strong traditional culture in the area, particularly noticeable at the yearly folk festivals and markets.