Saint Paraskeva Wooden Church in Băbeni (Capu Dealului)
About Saint Paraskeva Wooden Church in Băbeni (Capu Dealului)
Capu Dealului is one of the villages of the town of Băbeni, on the right bank of the Olt, about 20 km south of Râmnicu Vâlcea. The wooden church dedicated to Saint Paraskeva (Cuvioasa Paraschiva) stands in the village cemetery, on a rise in the ground, and is a historic monument (LMI code VL-II-m-B-09639). Wikipedia and the monuments list give 1799 as the year of construction; the inscription painted on the porch wall seems to read 1790, so the church dates from the last decade of the 18th century.
The walls are of dark logs on a white masonry plinth, and the apse is polygonal. A broad roof, now of sheet metal, comes down over them, with a small square bell tower and a pyramidal cap rising from it. The inscription records that the church was repaired between 1971 and 1995 at the parishioners' expense: the roof, the electrical installation, the painting and the bell tower were redone.
What you can see
From the front of the church you can see the timber porch, closed in with large panes of glass, and the wide entrance steps. On the porch wall, on a blue ground, is painted the icon of Saint Paraskeva between medallions of Saint Andrew and Saint Philip, with the inscription about the works beneath it. Walking round the building you can see the polygonal apse, its logs darkened by age, and the crosses and monuments of the surrounding cemetery.
Good to know
The church is in active use, and no visiting schedule is published in the sources consulted; the exterior can be seen at any time. The year of construction differs between sources (1790, 1799, and 1849 in OpenStreetMap), which is why it is given here with reservations. The village also has a war memorial with a painted wooden cross.
Information verified on 20 October 2026.
- The wooden church of the last decade of the 18th century, with a polygonal apse and a broad roof.
- The glazed porch, with the icon of Saint Paraskeva painted on the wall.
- The small square bell tower with a pyramidal cap, rising from the roof.
- The inscription recording the repairs of 1971–1995.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the town of Băbeni lies about 20 km south of Râmnicu Vâlcea, on the right bank of the Olt. Capu Dealului is one of its villages, and the church stands in the cemetery on the edge of the village, on Strada Capu Dealului.
Public transport: no regular connection to the village is confirmed; a car is the safer option.
- Rules
This is a place of worship and a working cemetery: dress modestly and keep quiet. The interior can be visited only with the agreement of those who open it, and photography inside should be asked about first.
Frequently asked questions about Saint Paraskeva Wooden Church in Băbeni (Capu Dealului)
- How long does a visit to Saint Paraskeva Wooden Church in Băbeni (Capu Dealului) take?
- A visit to Saint Paraskeva Wooden Church in Băbeni (Capu Dealului) takes about 30 min (exterior and cemetery).
- Can you visit Saint Paraskeva Wooden Church in Băbeni (Capu Dealului) with kids?
- Yes, Saint Paraskeva Wooden Church in Băbeni (Capu Dealului) is suitable for children (short climb, in a cemetery).
- How do I get to Saint Paraskeva Wooden Church in Băbeni (Capu Dealului)?
- Saint Paraskeva Wooden Church in Băbeni (Capu Dealului) is located at Strada Capu Dealului, satul Capu Dealului, Băbeni, Vâlcea County. By car: the town of Băbeni lies about 20 km south of Râmnicu Vâlcea, on the right bank of the Olt. Capu Dealului is one of its villages, and the church stands in the cemetery on the edge of the village, on Strada Capu Dealului. Public transport: no regular connection to the village is confirmed; a car is the safer option.
- When is the best time to visit Saint Paraskeva Wooden Church in Băbeni (Capu Dealului)?
- The best season for Saint Paraskeva Wooden Church in Băbeni (Capu Dealului): April – October (for the exterior and cemetery).
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