Ursache's Cross

A testimony of the captains of the plains

The Ursache's Cross is a memorial monument erected in 1800, located in a strategic vantage point above Polovragi. Although it is less known to the general public, the monument is a living piece of history, erected in honour of the Plain Captain Ursache. He was a prominent figure who travelled through these lands between the 18th and 19th centuries, having previously served as a Hussar captain in Transylvania.

Ancient architecture and inscriptions

The monument is carved in hard stone and bears Slavonic inscriptions on its faces, which testify to its role as a protective symbol of the area. The deciphered text on the south face states that „this holy cross was made at his own expense to the chief bishop Ursachie ut plaiu Novacilui”. On the east side, the inscription refers to the blessing of the abbot Pahomie de la Horezu and the feast of St. Mucenic Dimitrie, the cross being dedicated to the Polovragi Monastery to be „bearer of care until eternity”.

Dacian fortress on the Padeș Plateau

Beyond its memorial value, the monument's location hides deep archaeological secrets. According to historians, the plateau contains the ruins of a Dacian fortress built around 150 B.C. The Dacians transformed the craggy rock into an impregnable acropolis, and through painstaking labour they built eight terraces. It is hypothesised that this settlement was the ancient fortress of Arcinna, described by Ptolemy as one of the most brilliant cities of Dacia. Today, visitors can still see the trenches left by archaeological excavations that have attempted to uncover the fortifications.

Legends of Mount Padeș

Oral tradition keeps alive the belief that these fortifications were directly patronised by the god Zamolxis. A local legend recalls the sacred eagle summoned by the High Priestess Sibyl Sibyl Erithreea to protect the immortal people from the eyes of the ungodly. These stories add a layer of mystery to the trail, turning the hike into a foray into Dacian mythology.

Useful information for visitors

• Trail: From the Polovragi Monastery, go up through the beech forest following the „white circle with red dot” signpost.
• Duration: The climb takes between an hour and two hours, depending on your pace.
• Panorama: From the plateau you can see Polovragi Monastery, the Olteț valley and the border between the Parâng and Căpățânii Mountains.
• Difficulty level: The trail is maintained, marked and accessible to all, not steep.