Located in the picturesque village of Zătreni in Vâlcea county, Kula Zătreanu shines like an "iron spur of the fortified defense system of Oltenia". Together with the expansion of the Boicescu Manor, it forms an ensemble of inestimable architectural and historical value, being the only medieval castle in the entire Vâlcea county.
In addition to the architectural value, Kula Zătreanu is the testimony of the turbulent story of the Zătreanu family: duels, unhappy loves and betrayals were part of the chronicle of this family, leaving behind an imposing castle and many legends of the era.
The beauty and mystery surrounding this medieval building make it a fascinating destination for all those who want to discover the stories and authentic history of Oltenia.
The story of the place
The history of the commune of Zătreni, as its name also testifies, is closely related to that of the Zătreni boyars, a powerful noble family from Vâlcea, which gave the Wallachia and the voivodes several high officials.
Vornic Preda Zătreanu owned, at the beginning of the 18th century, the estate between Bălceşti and Pârâieni. After his death, the estate is divided between the heirs and in 1754, his brother, Radu Zătreanu, lays the foundation stone of the kula, a fortified feudal dwelling.
The problems begin when Iancu Zătreanu, descendant of the Zătreanu family, falls into the passion of alcohol, parties and playing cards. He lost his house and half of his estate one winter evening before Christmas in 1810.
Architectural features
Built with vaults on the first level (semi-basement) and with two above-ground levels, it has vaulted rooms in the central core area, upstairs. In the middle of the 19th century, the tower was extended by adding a staircase and an outbuilding to the side facades, and the main facade received a porch characteristic of towers from the south of Romania.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the Kula is expanded with a larger construction, called Conacul Traian Boicescu, which takes elements of the Kula, in the architectural language used: terraces-gazebo on two sides supported on columns inspired by those used in the gazebo of the Kula in the middle of nineteenth century.
The tower impresses with its irregular shapes and the solidity of the 80 cm thick walls, and the interior catches your eye with its impressive vaults and rooms full of history.
Unique experiences
If you arrive in this beautiful area, you cannot leave before visiting the wooden Church "Saint John the Baptist" and "Saint Nicholas" - dating from 1756, repaired and moved in 1796. The church was founded by Ioan Zatreanu, Vasile Zătreanu, Ioniță Gănescu and his wife Catrina, née Bibescu.
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