Prahova Jewels I
Churches, Mansions, Museums & Wineries
Less-traveled paths await you—routes you will follow almost breathlessly. In just a few minutes, you will arrive in Urlați, a town deeply connected to viticulture and to a remarkable personality: the talented photographer and collector, Baron Alexandru Bellu.
You can begin your visit with the watchtower, built in the traditional culă style, offering a fascinating panoramic view of the surroundings. It houses the Baron’s cameras as well as many of his photographs taken in Urlați. Then, stroll along the romantic alleys of the estate until you reach the Museum—the former guest house, built in old Romanian style. The porch still preserves its original wooden flooring. Inside, you can admire the Turkish Salon with its beautiful oriental décor, the Japanese Salon where tea was once served, and the Central Salon, home to the piano once played countless times by George Enescu. Numerous other valuable objects are displayed throughout the museum rooms.
Only 4 km separate the Bellu Museum from the next highlight, Jercălăi Monastery, where you will be captivated by the slender silhouette of a wooden church with an incredible story. Built in Maramureș style, the church journeyed from Reghin to Bran Castle, before finally finding its home here, in Jercălăi.
Over three centuries old, the small wooden church has been enriched with murals dating back to around 1700, a miracle-working icon of the Virgin Mary brought from the Holy Sepulchre, and a reliquary containing holy relics from Bethlehem. On the southern side of the church stands a large stone cross, over 400 years old, brought from Dobrogea, marking the place where the altar of the former hermitage church once stood.
Do not forget to visit the monastery’s winery as well, where you can taste the liturgical wine—a natural, high-quality, clear, and pleasantly refined liqueur.
From here, we recommend continuing your journey towards Sângeru. In just half an hour, covering approximately 20 km, you will reach the The Stone Museum.
Considered the “center of the earth” by the late poet Lucian Avramescu, founder and creator of this museum, Sângeru is his native village. This fascinating cultural site reflects the deep connection the poet felt with stone. The museum extends across the entire property, both indoors and outdoors, featuring over 3,000 stone works created by rural artists or shaped by nature, displayed inside and across three successive courtyards. Children will especially enjoy the small animal farm here, home to chickens, peacocks, a ram named Burebista, Cameroonian goats, a pony, and more.
We suggest ending your journey on distinguished Bacchic notes. The wineries of Prahova County, like those at Casa Timiș, are internationally renowned, successfully representing the unique terroir of Dealu Mare through numerous awards. A refined wine tasting at Tohani Winery could be the perfect conclusion to this soulful excursion.
For more unique insights about the attractions along the route, we invite you to explore our blog.
