History

The cule: fortified homes of the boyars of days gone by

Conacul lui Maldar is an old Oltenian cula that has preserved all the distinctive architectural features of these fortified residences: thick walls, a majestic whitewashed exterior, a tall tower and interior staircases, secret passageways and, above all, the arched veranda extending across the entire facade of the upper floor.

With a history spanning more than three centuries, cule were originally fortified residences built for the boyars as protection against Ottoman raids, particularly those carried out by the kirdzhalis and pazvantoğlu troops from the Ottoman territories along the Danube.

Cule can be found throughout the Balkan Peninsula, while in Romania some of the best-known examples are located in Valcea County, particularly in Maldaresti, as well as in Gorj and Mehedinti.

The legend of Captain Maldar

Every cula has its own legend, and among those of Maldaresti, perhaps the most moving is the story of Captain Maldar, son of Nan, the royal cup-bearer. Tudor Maldar was one of the captains of Michael the Brave. Legend has it that, after being captured by the Tatars, he won the heart of the beautiful daughter of the Tatar khan and, through their love, regained his freedom. The two lovers then sought refuge in a cula in Maldaresti, known today as Cula Greceanu.

Although our manor is not the original setting of these events, it bears the name of Captain Maldar in honour of his courage and the legend of his everlasting love.