Wooden Church of the Entry of the Most Holy Mother of God into the Temple – Brezoi

Little known today, the wooden church dedicated to “The Entry of the Most Holy Mother of God into the Temple” Brezoi stands the test of time, a testimony to the Orthodox and artistic past of Țara Loviștei. Built by the Brezoian ancestors at the end of the 18th century, the church is in an advanced state of decay.

Its oak construction impresses with its simplicity. It has the shape of a ship, without a steeple and it is surrounded by a “twisted rope” carved girdle. The porch rests on six oak pillars that remind of folk spinning forks. 

In 1865, the church was plastered and painted on the inside and outside. The fresco painting is partially preserved.

If you reach the Lotrului Valley, make a stop at Brezoi, where a valuable monument of Romanian folk art is waiting for you to discover it!

The painting of the Brezoi ecclesiastical ensemble is made in the fresco technique and the iconographic programme is specific to the area. Except for the altar, the religious scenes in the church are dominated by an intense ultramarine blue, a shade characteristic of the 19th century. Some of them are even accompanied by explanatory texts on the identity of the characters and the meaning of the compositions.

In 1865, the place of worship was plastered and painted on the outside and inside. The mayor of the commune at that time, Sima Stanovici, of Montenegrin origins, together with other inhabitants, financed the work. Today one can still see a painting of the founder Stanovici and his wife on the west wall of the narthex.

The church seems to have been built by a monk named Joseph, who erected a tent or a hut in front of the place.  

Legend goes that an outlaw searched by the posse hid for three days in the attic of the church. Although the posse searched all over Brezoi for him, they did not think to search in the attic of the small church. When leaving, the outlaw would have left here a treasure, behind the eastern truss frame, but which was quickly found by a lucky man. 

Brezoi is also well known among campers and folk, blues or rock music lovers, due to festivals such as the Open Air Blues Festival held regularly at the Brezoi Summer Camp. 

Hiking enthusiasts can explore the beautiful valleys of Olt and Lotru, with gorgeous natural landscapes all year round. 

And if you are eager to visit other places of worship in the area, you can also stop at the Proieni Church or at the Cozia, Turnu, Malaia and Cornetu Monasteries to pray and recollect.