The Bradet Church is a historical monument, believed to have been built either by Mircea Ciobanul in 1546 or by Mircea the Elder. Inside the small monastery, there is an inscription that reads, “This holy Bradet Monastery was made by Io Mircea Voevod in the year 1546.”
Legends, however, tell a different story, stating that this church was built by Mircea the Elder around the year 1400. Evidence supporting this claim includes a painting on the wall of the naos depicting Mircea in medieval costume, alongside Lady Mara, not Lady Chiajna, who was the wife of Mircea Ciobanul. It is known that Mircea the Elder built the Cozia Monastery and Cotmeana Monastery, both located relatively close to Bradet (a day’s ride away). Another argument supporting this legend is the striking resemblance of the church’s masonry to that of Cozia and Cotmeana.
The architectural style of the church has remained unchanged since its founding, and its interior frescoes are in the Byzantine style. Continuing on Via Valahia, you will pass by the oldest school in Bradet, founded 100 years ago. As you head towards the Argesului Valley, you will discover the Izvorul din Piatra (Spring from the Rock), situated high in the mountains.
