The Duca Kula - Măldărești Museum Complex

Built in 1812, the Duca Kula impresses with the massiveness of its walls and astonishingly precise architecture, representing a true landmark of Oltenian architectural style. Located in the picturesque village of Măldărești in Vâlcea County, the kula harmoniously integrates into the Măldărești Museum Complex, along with the I.G. Duca Memorial House and the Greceanu Kula, forming a triangle of historical heritage.

The kula captivates with its brilliant geometry, with stone walls reminiscent of the times when fortified houses were the last refuge against Turkish threats and bandits. Unlike other buildings of its kind, here you will notice how the spacious veranda combines defensive architecture with living spaces, highlighting the duality of this architectural monument. The rectangular rooms, meticulously arranged on the three levels, give the construction remarkable solidity, and the attention to detail of the Oltenian craftsmen can be admired in the stuccoes with floral ornaments and mermaid tails, inspired by the Byzantine Physiologus, which add an extra charm.

Brief historical insight

I.G. Duca was a politician of remarkable value, a theorist of liberalism, and a supporter of the idea of progress. He was to have one of the most spectacular and deserved political careers: a parliamentarian at 26, a minister at 38, and a prime minister at 54.

Story of the Place

According to a local legend, the Duca Kula was built as a replica of the ancestral home of Tudor Maldăr, the captain of Michael the Brave's army, by Gheorghiță Măldărescu in 1821. It is said that the Captain fell in love with the daughter of the one who had taken him prisoner in Asia, and shortly after they fled together, the two lovers took refuge in Maldar's house.

In 1910, I.G. Duca acquired this kula and brought his own vision to the construction. He arranged it in a traditional Romanian style, decorating the interior with objects of special elegance: handmade plates, old icons, and carpets that blend into a harmonious ensemble, bringing to life the story of a man who left his mark on Romanian politics. Later, it became state property in 1962, being restored and transformed into a museum.

Unique Experiences

If you've arrived in this wonderful area, you must also visit the Greceanu Kula, the oldest kula and one of the most spectacular in Romania. The kula is so named because, at one point, it passed as dowry from the Măldărescu family to the Greceanu family. The building is listed in the national cultural heritage and is also part of the Măldărești Museum Complex.

Want to feel like in the old times? We recommend staying at Maldăr Kula, a 16th-century Oltenian kula located in the same commune. The kula features Brâncovenesc-style arcades, wooden beams, carved doors and furniture, all adorned with wonderful handmade textiles.

Just 4 km away, we have the village of Horezu, a ceramic center included in the UNESCO heritage.

The Duca Kula represents an authentic page from Romania's history, and a visit here is an immersion into the deep layers of Oltenian culture.