A ''culă'' (plural: ''cule''; from
Turkish ''kule'' "tower, turret") is a type of semi-fortified dwelling historically found in the
Oltenia
Oltenia (), also called Lesser Wallachia in antiquated versions – with the alternative Latin names , , and between 1718 and 1739 – is a historical province and geographical region of Romania in western Wallachia. It is situated between the Da ...
region of
Romania
Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central Europe, Central, Eastern Europe, Eastern and Southeast Europe. It borders Ukraine to the north and east, Hungary to the west, Serbia to the southwest, Bulgaria to the south, Moldova to ...
, with notable examples also in
Muntenia
Muntenia (, also known in English as Greater Wallachia) is a historical region of Romania, part of Wallachia (also, sometimes considered Wallachia proper, as ''Muntenia'', ''Țara Românească'', and the rarely used ''Valahia'' are synonyms in Ro ...
(in the counties of
Argeș and
Teleorman). Constructed primarily between the 17th and 19th centuries, these structures served as residences for the
boyar
A boyar or bolyar was a member of the highest rank of the feudal nobility in many Eastern European states, including Bulgaria, Kievan Rus' (and later Russia), Moldavia and Wallachia (and later Romania), Lithuania and among Baltic Germans. C ...
aristocracy, offering protection against invasions and local uprisings. Architecturally, cule are characterized by their tower-like appearance, typically featuring multiple levels, thick walls, and defensive elements such as narrow windows or loopholes for archers. The design reflects a blend of domestic comfort and military functionality, embodying the capacity of traditional
Romanian architecture
Romanian may refer to:
*anything of, from, or related to the country and nation of Romania
**Romanians, an ethnic group
**Romanian language, a Romance language
***Romanian dialects, variants of the Romanian language
**Romanian cuisine, traditional ...
to assimilate foreign influences while remaining distinctively local. Similar tower houses are prevalent throughout the
Balkans
The Balkans ( , ), corresponding partially with the Balkan Peninsula, is a geographical area in southeastern Europe with various geographical and historical definitions. The region takes its name from the Balkan Mountains that stretch throug ...
, including in
Serbia
, image_flag = Flag of Serbia.svg
, national_motto =
, image_coat = Coat of arms of Serbia.svg
, national_anthem = ()
, image_map =
, map_caption = Location of Serbia (gree ...
and
Albania
Albania ( ; or ), officially the Republic of Albania (), is a country in Southeast Europe. It is located in the Balkans, on the Adriatic Sea, Adriatic and Ionian Seas within the Mediterranean Sea, and shares land borders with Montenegro to ...
.
[Mitrache, Anca]
The Cula House – A Specific Case Study
Published April 5, 2012.
List of Cule
Argeș County
Dolj County
Gorj County
Mehedinți County
Olt County
Teleorman County
Vâlcea County
References
External links
*
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cula
Oltenia
Architecture in Romania