The Tudor Vladimirescu Kula

Welcome to Mehedinți County, on the great hills of Cerneți, where the Tudor Vladimirescu Kula rises as a symbol of Oltenia and national history. Built around the 1800s, by Tudor Vladimirescu after the Turks burned down Cerneți town, in an era marked by struggles and aspirations, the construction witnessed troubled times. It was more than just a building - it was a refuge, fortress and home for those who dreamed of a free and united Romania.

Tudor Vladimirescu kept in the walls of this architectural construction not only the weapons of the revolution, but also the dreams of a better country. Here, under the clear sky of Oltenia, hope was born and history was written. Today, the kula remains a beacon of our national identity and each brick echoes Tudor's courage.

So, step by step, open the gates of this kula and let yourself be carried back in time, to a place where the legend of Tudor Vladimirescu is intertwined with our collective history. The most famous historical monument on the Oltenian lands is waiting to reveal its secrets and inspire you.

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The Cerneți village was documentary attested in 1571 and, for three centuries, until 1841, it served as the residence of the Mehedinți County. Then, the area reached a number of about 40 kulas, but the Turks burnt some of them to the ground and others were destroyed by earthquakes.

Of the many kulas, only 3 still stand today in Mehedinți, of which the Cuțui Kula in Broșteni. The other two, the Tudor Vladimirescu Kula and the Nistor Kula, are located in Cerneți, on the Gârdanului Hill, at a short distance from each other. 

Initially, there were two certified localities here: Gârdanul and Curilla, but they disappeared over time.  

Around 1800, Tudor Vladimirescu, bought land on the Gârdanului Hill, where he built the kula. The building was meant for defence and for storage. Tudor Vladimirescu kept here some of the weapons received from the Russians or bought from the Austrians and used in the revolution of 1821. Due to expenses incurred due to the revolution, Tudor was forced to pawn the kula to financially support the movement. 

Later, Ion Gărdăreanu, a friend of his, bought the property in 1838. He renovated it and also built the 67-meter deep fountain in the kula's courtyard. 

If you arrive at the Tudor Vladimirescu Kula, you can also visit the Nistor Kula, located close by. 

Also, a detour to the Ruins of the Ada Kaleh Fortress and to the Archaeological Complex in Drobeta Turnu Severin will perfectly complement the experience offered by Mehedinți County.