Băile Săcelu
About Băile Săcelu
Băile Săcelu is a spa and climatic resort in Gorj county, lying at about 340 m on the narrow valley of the Blahnița, between the Ciocadia (579 m) and Săcelu (570 m) hills, which are covered in deciduous forest. The mineral springs rise through fissures in old conglomerate rock, and the resort grew up around them. Roman traces have been found here, including inscriptions showing that the waters were used in antiquity, and the settlement is first recorded in documents in 1480. The first bathing establishments were built in 1888, along with the first villas for people coming for treatment.
After 1989 the resort went through a long decline, and some of the old buildings have fallen into disrepair. Today the pools are run by Complexul Energetic Oltenia and operate in summer as an open-air mineral-water pool complex.
What you can see
The main attraction is the four open-air pools: pool 1 is small and has a thick layer of therapeutic mud, pool 2 covers 550 m², pool 3 covers 800 m² and is also fed by a nearby borehole, and pool 4, the largest, covers 3,000 m² and is 2–2.5 m deep. The water is rich in sulphur, chlorine, bromine and iodine, and its tint changes with the seasons, between green, pink and raspberry, because of the micro-organisms living in the pools. Next to the pools is a landscaped beach with sun loungers, parasols and showers. On the surrounding hills you can take short walks among beech, oak and lime woods and a few sweet chestnut trees.
Good to know
The pools are open to the public only in summer. The rest of the year the resort is quiet, and the older villas and buildings around it are not set up for visitors. Treatments are given only on a doctor's recommendation.
- Pool 4, at 3,000 m² and 2–2.5 m deep the largest of the four mineral-water pools.
- The therapeutic mud in pools 1 and 2, used above all for rheumatic conditions.
- The colour of the water, which passes through shades of green, pink and raspberry with the seasons.
- The landscaped beach next to the pools, with sun loungers, parasols and showers.
- The narrow Blahnița valley, with wooded hills all around.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: Băile Săcelu is ~32 km (~40 minutes) from Târgu Jiu, on the DN67 towards Târgu Cărbunești and then on the DJ661 towards Săcelu. From Târgu Cărbunești it is ~18 km (~20 minutes), also on the DJ661, and from Crasna Monastery ~11 km (~17 minutes).
- Fees & discounts
Entry to the pools costs 40 lei per person (the 2026 season rate). Children up to 7 and war veterans enter free.
- Rules
Treatments are given on the recommendation of a specialist doctor. The water is highly mineralised: a shower after bathing and a break in the shade on hot days make the baths easier to take. People with chronic conditions or heart problems should ask a doctor first.
- Facilities
Landscaped beach with sun loungers and parasols · showers · toilets · first-aid point · lifeguards at the pools
Frequently asked questions about Băile Săcelu
How much is a ticket to Băile Săcelu?
A ticket to Băile Săcelu costs 40 lei (free under 7). More under “Fees & discounts”
What are the opening hours of Băile Săcelu?
Opening hours at Băile Săcelu: daily 08:00 – 20:00. More under “Opening hours”
How long does a visit to Băile Săcelu take?
A visit to Băile Săcelu takes about 2½ – 3 hours (swimming in the pools and the beach).
Can you visit Băile Săcelu with kids?
Yes, Băile Săcelu is suitable for children (free entry under 7).
How do I get to Băile Săcelu?
Băile Săcelu is located at DJ661, next to the mineral-water pools, in the village of Săcelu, Săcelu, Gorj County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Băile Săcelu?
The best season for Băile Săcelu: June – September (the pools are open in summer).
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