The Cartianu Kula

Visit the Cartianu kula, a symbol of the late 18th century, the largest fortified residence in Gorj. It is considered one of the most valuable architectural pieces of the National Cultural Heritage and welcomes your curiosity.

As times have changed, so too has the Cartianu kula softened its character of defense and surveillance over time and transformed into a residential house. The shooting holes have been filled, the windows widened, and new door openings made. When you visit it today, you can rather admire the boyar house attire of the Cartianu family. You can imagine the "good times" of the Cartianu heirs, with high positions or artistic aspirations, receiving famous visitors and hosting grand gatherings, full of abundance.

Expropriated by the communists from the rightful owners, the Cartianu kula was only recovered after the end of the communist period and was restored as a house-museum starting in 1999. Today it belongs to the "Alexandru Ștefulescu" Gorj County Museum and represents a very valuable heritage element, complemented by an extensive collection of very old garments, especially locally specific shirts with embroidery, authentic Gorj costumes, traditional objects, paintings, photos, and carpets from the region.

Right from the entrance, the Cartianu Kula greets you with a unique "business card," actually an album with authentic embroideries from various areas of Gorj, compiled in 1993 by Elisabeta Buzerea - a teacher from Târgu Jiu - and donated to the museum as a testament to the beauty of Gorj traditions.

What you can uniquely observe at the Cartianu kula are the Albanian-style verandas. A solid, solitary, and unique construction that speaks of other times and brings you closer to them. A mix of the history of the house's boyars and local tradition.

With a picturesque aspect, given by the wooden stairs and the surrounding verandas, the kula is located near the Cărtior stream valley, not far from the Jiu Valley. It was built by Ceaușu Cartianu at the end of the 18th century and initially had the configuration of a fortified kula. Over time, it underwent several modifications, eventually transforming into a house-type construction, as it presents itself today.

The Cartianu family has an interesting history, intertwined with the history of the house. They were involved in historical times of revolt, making their home available for those secret meetings between Tudor Vladimirescu, pandurs, and supporters of the 1821 revolution.

Due to the connections they had among influential people of the time, important persons crossed their threshold, such as King Carol II, the liberal Prime Minister Gheorghe Tătărăscu, and the writer Barbu Ștefănescu-Delavrancea.

Every summer, the house was filled with relatives and friends warmly received. Even Maria Lătărețu, also known as the "nightingale of Gorj," was a distinguished guest at the Cartianu House parties.

Once you've arrived in this wonderful area, you must visit:

The Museum of Popular Architecture in Gorj, Curtișoara village. Inaugurated in 1975, the museum has continuously enriched its heritage collection, constituting an important support for those interested in the village world in general and the Gorj folk culture in particular.