Eastern Europe - Curtea de Arges

Candles burning

The Episcopal Cathedral

Email No 20 – Curtea de Arges – Romania

In Bucarest, and after following some detailed instructions (a rare treat) from the owner of the hostel , I located the area where I could board a maxi-bus to Curtea. A relatively short trip through some mountainous scenic scenery brought me in front of the largest hotel in Curtea, the Hotel Posada. After checking the prices I decided to walk to the edge of the town to an LP recommended hotel, Pensiunea Ruxi.

I was everything LP says and more. This very reasonably priced hotel is run by a very nice, friendly family, do indeed go out of their way to make their guests comfortables. The young woman, Ruxi, was there on her spring vacation from her study in another city’s university. She is studying to become a teacher of languages, perhaps German or English. From talking to this very mature 20 years old there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that she will be a wonderful teacher.

In Curtea de Arges, everything of interest such as restaurants, stores, sights, are basically located along one 3 km street. The main sight is the Episcopal Cathedral inside the Monastery’s ground. The original edifice was built between 1514 and 1526 and rebuilt in 1875 by the French architect Andre Lecomte.

I believe that one of the mail source of church’s revenue is by the selling of candles. As you can see on the pictures, buying and burning candels is very popular. The general idea is that you buy and burn candles while making a wish. Of course the more candles you burn, the more likely your wish will come thru. Doesn’t this sound somewhat like a lottery, the more ticket you buy, the more likely you are to win a price? The advantage from a church’s point of view is that even if your wish comes through, it doesn’t cost them anything! Another small observation, in general, the candles are removed before they are completely burned out. The remainders are melted to make new candles (up to 1/3!)

Another sight in Curtea is the ruins of the 14th Century Princely Court. All that remains today is the perfectly intact church.

A much needed, relaxing, pleasant visit in a relaxed unhurried town.

Next Brasov.