Cuvioasa Paraschiva Wooden Church in Glodeni
About Cuvioasa Paraschiva Wooden Church in Glodeni
Glodeni is a village in Bălănești commune, Gorj County, and its wooden church, dedicated to Saint Paraskeva (Cuvioasa Paraschiva), was built around 1728. The inscription on the porch lintel, preserved only in fragments, places it in the time of Austrian rule over Oltenia, “in the days of the most exalted Emperor Charles”, that is 1727–1728. A second inscription, painted on the iconostasis, mentions a renovation in the reign of Prince Mihai Constantin Șuțu, in 1791–1792. The church was founded by the neighbouring villagers themselves and has been a historic monument since 1955, LMI code GJ-II-m-A-09305, having been saved from disappearing at the last moment.
In the 19th century a bell tower was added over the porch, and the shingle roof was altered on the west side. The building stands on a plinth of river stone, and the altar apse projects only in its lower register, with skilfully worked brackets under the niches of the proskomidia and diaconicon.
What you can see
The most interesting part is the porch on the west side, with carved posts, ornate capitals and a decorated lintel, as well as the doorframe, with a zigzag profile and twisted rope on the beam above. On the sides you can see the joints of the beams and the brackets under the eaves. The church stands in a village graveyard beside a country road, with hills in the background.
Good to know
No visiting schedule and no ongoing restoration work were found. This is a parish church and may be locked outside services.
Information verified on 20 October 2026.
- The wooden church of around 1728, built during Austrian rule in Oltenia.
- The west-side porch, with carved posts and ornate capitals.
- The doorframe, with a zigzag profile and twisted rope.
- The brackets and beam joints at the altar, on a river-stone plinth.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the village of Glodeni belongs to Bălănești commune, in Gorj County; the church stands by the DC15 country road, in a graveyard.
Public transport: no regular connection to the village is confirmed; a car is the safer option.
- Rules
This is a working parish church: dress modestly and keep quiet during services. Before photographing inside, ask the person who opens it for permission. The surrounding graveyard is in use: please respect the graves.
Frequently asked questions about Cuvioasa Paraschiva Wooden Church in Glodeni
- How long does a visit to Cuvioasa Paraschiva Wooden Church in Glodeni take?
- A visit to Cuvioasa Paraschiva Wooden Church in Glodeni takes about 30 min (exterior, porch and graveyard).
- Can you visit Cuvioasa Paraschiva Wooden Church in Glodeni with kids?
- Yes, Cuvioasa Paraschiva Wooden Church in Glodeni is suitable for children (open grassy grounds).
- Where can I park at Cuvioasa Paraschiva Wooden Church in Glodeni?
- There is free parking at Cuvioasa Paraschiva Wooden Church in Glodeni (by the village roadside).
- How do I get to Cuvioasa Paraschiva Wooden Church in Glodeni?
- Cuvioasa Paraschiva Wooden Church in Glodeni is located at DC15, în satul Glodeni (comuna Bălănești), Glodeni, Gorj County. By car: the village of Glodeni belongs to Bălănești commune, in Gorj County; the church stands by the DC15 country road, in a graveyard. Public transport: no regular connection to the village is confirmed; a car is the safer option.
- When is the best time to visit Cuvioasa Paraschiva Wooden Church in Glodeni?
- The best season for Cuvioasa Paraschiva Wooden Church in Glodeni: May – October (summer, for the road and the grounds).
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