The Sâmbăta de Jos Stud Farm: A Memorable Equestrian Experience

About the Sâmbăta de Jos Stud Farm

The Sâmbăta de Jos Stud Farm, located in Brașov County, is one of the most important breeding centers for Lipizzaner horses in the world. Its primary activity is the breeding of these renowned horses, known for their harmonious conformation and lively yet docile temperament. At Sâmbăta de Jos, seven distinct bloodlines are carefully maintained, each named after the stallions from which they originate: Conversano, Favory, Maestoso, Neapolitano, Pluto, Siglavy-Capriola, and Tulipan. Of course, each horse also has its own unique name, such as Fulgușor, Snow, or Pluto.

Although the farm’s main purpose is the breeding of these noble horses, it also offers activities for visitors, including horseback riding lessons, equestrian shows, and riding excursions. Even if you visit only to admire the magnificent Lipizzaner horses, we assure you—it’s an experience well worth the trip!

History of the Sâmbăta de Jos Stud Farm

• The first stud farm at Sâmbăta de Jos was established in 1874 by Count Jozef von Brukenthal (the brother of Baron Samuel von Brukenthal), near his own castle. The horses originally came from Lipica, a village in Slovenia where the selection process for the famous Lipizzaner breed began in 1580. The breed’s name derives from this village.
• In 1913, shortly before World War I, the stud farm, which then housed 322 horses, was relocated to Bábolna, Hungary.
• In 1920, the Romanian State established a national stud farm at Sâmbăta de Jos, starting with 3 breeding stallions and 22 mares.
• Since then, the Sâmbăta de Jos Stud Farm has remained under state ownership and, since 2002, has been administered by the National Forest Administration – Romsilva.

How to Get to the Sâmbăta de Jos Stud Farm

Sâmbăta de Jos is located in Voila commune, Brașov County, not far from the town of Victoria. Access is via DN1 (Brașov – Sibiu national road). The exact address of the stud farm is: Strada Principală no. 45, Voila commune, Brașov County, Romania.

Services Offered by the Sâmbăta de Jos Stud Farm

Herghelia de cai de la Sâmbăta de Jos oferă următoarele servicii pentru turiști:

• Stud farm visits
• Stud farm visit + equestrian show
• Carriage ride with two horses
• Horseback riding lessons for beginners and advanced riders
• Horseback riding subscriptions – 5 or 10 sessions
• Equestrian demonstrations within the stud farm, featuring 6-12 horses ridden by professional athletes (available only for organized groups).

Additionally, you can watch dressage training sessions, equestrian shows, and sports competitions held at the farm. The prices are very affordable.

Visiting Hours

The Sâmbăta de Jos Stud Farm is open to the public Monday to Friday with the following schedule:

• Winter season: 09:00 – 16:30
• Summer season: 09:00 – 18:00.

If you’d like to schedule a visit, you can call +40 268 51 76 86.

Other Tourist Attractions in Sâmbăta de Jos (Brașov County) and Nearby

In Sâmbăta de Jos, the main attractions include:

• The Lipizzaner Stud Farm, which we’ve already covered
• Count Josef von Brukenthal’s Castle
• The Sâmbetenilor School Museum.

In the neighboring village of Sâmbăta de Sus, you shouldn’t miss:

• Brâncoveanu Monastery
• Brâncoveanu Castle
• The Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God
• The Church of Saint Theodore of Tiron.

Other Must-See Tourist and Cultural Attractions in the Area:

• The Spring and Cave (Cell) of Father Arsenie Boca
• Făgăraș Fortress
• The Water Mill in Ohaba
• Șinca Veche Underground Monastery
• Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Zărnești
• Dâmbovicioara Cave
• Cârța Monastery (Cistercian Abbey of Cârța).

Count Josef von Brukenthal’s Castle in Sâmbăta de Sus

Count Josef von Brukenthal was granted a 1,700-hectare estate by Empress Maria Theresa, on which he built a castle in 1750. The two-story building features a symmetrical façade with simple horizontal registers. On the upper section of the central wing, four Baroque-inspired decorations can be seen, shaped like small vegetal garlands.

The Brukenthal Castle in Sâmbăta de Jos has 35 rooms, but unfortunately, it is in a deplorable state. During renovations in 1932, the wall paintings were covered with whitewash, including a fresco in the grand hall attributed to Anton Steinwald, a painter from Sibiu. The fresco depicted a hunting scene in the Făgăraș region.

After the communist nationalization, the castle was repurposed as the administrative headquarters of the Lipizzaner stud farm. Today, the building stands abandoned, deteriorating day by day. Although restoration has often been discussed, funding has never been secured. It is worth visiting while it still stands, as this historical treasure risks being lost forever.

The Sâmbetenilor School Museum in Sâmbăta de Jos

The Sâmbetenilor School Museum is housed in the village’s old school building, which was constructed in 1886 by Count Josef von Brukenthal for the children of the stud farm workers. Here, visitors can step back in time and see what a traditional Făgăraș village classroom looked like. The museum showcases vintage teaching materials, once used by teachers of the past, along with a charming collection of traditional costumes, household and decorative objects, weaving looms, and more.

The school remained operational for 119 years, until 2005, when classes were moved to a new building. Left abandoned, the old schoolhouse began to deteriorate. Fortunately, four dedicated locals established the Sâmbetenilor Club Association, took over the building, and transformed it into a museum. Today, the museum is a vibrant cultural hub, hosting authentic traditional gatherings and other events aimed at reviving the region’s heritage. The exhibits were donated by villagers, making this a truly community-driven effort to preserve the past.

Brâncoveanu Monastery in Sâmbăta de Sus

In 1654, the Transylvanian village of Sâmbăta de Sus came under the ownership of boyar Preda Brâncoveanu from Wallachia, the grandfather of Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu. Preda Brâncoveanu built a small wooden church along the Sâmbăta River. In 1686, Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu founded an Orthodox monastery on the site, as an act of defiance against the Hungarian kings’ attempts to catholicize Transylvania.

Due to the Wallachian ruler’s good relations with the Viennese Court, the Austro-Hungarian administration initially left the monastery untouched. However, after 1772, the Brâncoveanu family lost possession of the Sâmbăta de Sus estate, and in 1785, the Austro-Hungarians nearly destroyed the monastery.

In 1926, the Historic Monuments Commission began restoring the Brâncoveanu church and its old mural paintings. The restoration was completed in 1946, during the reign of King Michael I, whose portrait was added as the monastery’s second founder.

The Sâmbăta de Sus Monastery preserves the distinctive characteristics of Brâncovenesc architecture. You can learn more about its historic murals and valuable museum exhibits by visiting the monastery’s official website.

Brâncoveanu Castle in Sâmbăta de Sus

In 1708, Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu of Wallachia built a palace on his family estate in Sâmbăta de Sus, following the architectural model of his Potlogi and Mogoșoaia palaces. However, his successors lost the estate, which later came into the possession of merchant Dumitru Marcu. By the late 18th century, the Governor of Transylvania ordered the demolition of the palace under instructions from the Austro-Hungarian authorities.

At the beginning of the 19th century, the Brâncoveanu family reclaimed the estate, and Grigore Brâncoveanu built a new palace, incorporating the cellars of the original structure. The family retained ownership until the Agrarian Reform of 1922.

The Brâncoveanu Court in Sâmbăta de Sus now includes the palace built by Grigore Brâncoveanu, which has undergone significant modifications in recent years. From Constantin Brâncoveanu’s era, only the vaulted cellars and the stone entrance gate survive. The gate still preserves the rich decorative motifs characteristic of the Brâncovenesc style.

Today, the estate is owned by the commune and is open to visitors.

Făgăraș Fortress

The first masonry structure on this site was a defensive fortress, first mentioned in documents in the 15th century. The enclosure was surrounded by a wall with embrasures, topped with crenellations and a guard walkway. The fortress also featured four towers (three bastions and a keep) and a barbican.

In the 16th century, Prince Ștefan Mailat of Transylvania reinforced the fortress with an additional defensive wall, incorporating the barbican tower. The inner walls were doubled with brick, and spaces between them were converted into the voivode’s quarters, the captain’s dining hall, and other rooms.

By the end of the 16th century, Princes Ștefan and Balthazar Báthory transformed the four sides of the old fortress into residential wings. During Balthazar Báthory’s reign, a third level was added, and the southern façade was adorned with his coat of arms.

The modern appearance of Făgăraș Fortress dates back to the 17th century, when Prince Gabriel Bethlen redesigned it, incorporating elements of Italian Renaissance, most notably in the loggias along the southern side of the inner courtyard.

In 1696, Făgăraș came under Austrian rule, and the fortress was converted into a garrison, leading to its gradual deterioration. After the Great Union of 1918, it was reclaimed by the Romanian Army, restored, and even served as a refugee camp for White Russians fleeing the Bolshevik regime.

Between 1948 and 1960, the fortress was used as a political prison, after which restoration efforts transformed it back into a fortified castle. Currently, Făgăraș Fortress houses the Țara Făgărașului Museum, a must-visit destination for history lovers.

Tourist Attractions in Țara Făgărașului (Făgăraș Land)

Țara Făgărașului is home to many fascinating tourist attractions. Here are some recommendations:

• The Transfăgărășan, considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world. Along the 151-kilometer route connecting Transylvania to Muntenia, you can visit Bâlea Glăjărie, Bâlea Cascadă, Bâlea Lake, and the Capra area.
• The Cârța Cistercian Abbey.
• The Emerald Lake and the Basalt Columns, stunning geological formations in Racoș.
• The Șinca Veche Cave Monastery.
• The traditional water mills (”vâltori”) in Lisa.
• The Museum of Textiles and Stories in Mândra.

The Water Mill in Ohaba (The Lucky Mill)

The Ohaba Water Mill, also known as the Lucky Mill, dates back to 1873 and is one of the few remaining mills in Romania that still operates using its original mechanisms. The millstones, rumored to have been brought from France, have never been replaced, and the entire belt-and-wooden-roller system continues to power the mill as it did more than a century ago.

The mill is still operated by the fourth generation of the same milling family and produces three types of flour and animal feed cornmeal, with the entire process relying solely on the flow of water, without electricity. Adjacent to the water mill is the The Lucky Mill guesthouse, offering a cozy, rustic atmosphere, making it an ideal stop for visitors looking to experience traditional craftsmanship and local hospitality.

The Șinca Veche Cave Monastery

Also known as the Temple of Wishes, the Șinca Veche Cave Monastery is a subterranean religious site carved directly into the rock. The exact date of its construction remains uncertain, but its tumultuous history is linked to its strategic location on the historical border between Wallachia and the Habsburg Empire.

The earliest documented mention of the site dates back to the 12th century. By the 1700s, it was already a monastic retreat, where Orthodox monks sought refuge from Empress Maria Theresa’s attempts to force their conversion to Catholicism.

The rock-hewn church consists of nine rooms, including two altars—a highly unusual feature for a Christian place of worship. This has led to speculation about its original purpose. One theory suggests that there were once two separate churches, but the rock wall dividing them collapsed over time.

The first altar, located near the entrance, features a 10-meter-high cavity, resembling a spiral-shaped tower, which allows natural light to filter into the chamber. The second altar contains an inscription of the Star of David, along with numerous other undated carvings covering the walls. Another enigmatic detail is the absence of Christian crosses inside, further fueling debates over the site’s origins and spiritual significance.

Libearty Zărnești bear sanctuary

Libearty Zărnești is the largest brown bear sanctuary in the world, offering a safe haven for rescued bears. The entrance to the 70-hectare reserve is located on a hill next to Zărnești, just 2 kilometers from the DN73A national road (Râșnov – Zărnești – Sibiu).

The project began as a rescue mission, saving 160 bears that had been kept in captivity under deplorable conditions—malnourished, mistreated, and deprived of their natural instincts. At Libearty, these bears have regained their freedom and well-being, receiving proper care, nutrition, and the opportunity to return to natural behaviors. Today, over 130 bears roam freely in the oak forest, where they climb trees, play, swim in specially designed pools, and receive veterinary-prescribed food. The sanctuary stands as a global model for wildlife conservation, ensuring these magnificent animals can live out their lives in dignity.

Dâmbovicioara Cave

Dâmbovicioara Cave was formed by the action of the stream of the same name, which carved through the Jurassic limestone rocks that are part of the Piatra Craiului Massif. Over time, the stream changed its course and no longer passes through the cave, where humidity levels are now moderate.

The interior is artificially illuminated for visitors and consists of a gallery with several branches. The cave’s formations include towers, stalactites, stalagmites, and various other limestone structures. In one of the chambers, you can see fossilized bones of Ursus spelaeus (the cave bear, a long-extinct species) that were discovered here.

Access is granted only with a guide, who will share fascinating facts about the cave’s history and local legends. The visit lasts approximately 20 minutes.

Cârța Cistercian Monastery

The Cistercian Order was founded in 1098 and named after the town of Cîteaux (Cistercium in Latin) in Burgundy. It was established by monks led by Abbot Robert de Molesmes, who left the Benedictine Order in search of a more ascetic lifestyle focused on physical labor. The order spread across Western Europe and still exists today, although from the 17th century onward, the Cistercians became known as Trappists, after Abbot De La Trappe, who reformed the movement.

Cistercian abbeys played a crucial role in spreading the early Gothic architectural style, characterized by austere and simple structures, in contrast to the richly ornamented Romanesque churches built by the Benedictines.

The Cistercians of Igriș built a wooden monastery near Cârța on the banks of the Olt River in 1202. However, after a few years, they brought in stonemasons from France, who replaced the initial structure with a Gothic hall church, featuring three naves, a transept, and a polygonal choir.

During the first half of the 15th century, the monastery was damaged by Turkish attacks, and in 1474, King Matthias Corvinus of Hungary ordered its dissolution, outraged by the moral decline of the monks who resided there.

Today, the once-magnificent monastery is in ruins. Only the choir, which has been converted into a parish church, and the southern chapel, now functioning as a sacristy, remain intact. The western façade still stands, as does part of the eastern wing, but the rest of the monastery has vanished.

Hiking Trails in Țara Făgărașului

Țara Făgărașului offers numerous hiking trails. Here are two particularly beautiful ones:

Comăna de Jos – Comăna Cave – Basalt Columns of Piatra Cioplită

• Trail length: ~3 km
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Markings: Red dot until the cave, then a yellow band bordered by orange up to the Basalt Columns of Piatra Cioplită
• Important: Comăna Cave can only be visited with a guide from the Brașov Speleology Club.
• Note: The Basalt Columns of Piatra Cioplită should not be confused with the Basalt Columns of Racoș, which are much larger and more impressive.

Bâlea Cascadă Chalet (on Transfăgărășan) – Bâlea Waterfall

• Trail length: 1.4 km
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Markings: Red dot
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate (the final segment is steeper).
• Note: Bâlea Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Romania, with a 60-meter drop.

For more hiking options, you can check additional sources here and here.

Where to Stay? Choose Transylvanian Inn for Fairytale Landscapes, Ultimate Comfort, and Delicious Cuisine!

The Lipizzaner Stud Farm in Sâmbăta de Jos is best visited with friends, so you can enjoy all the unique experiences together. It would be a shame not to take instant photos of each other in an equestrian pose!

If you’re planning to visit the stud farm for 5-10 day riding courses or want to explore Țara Făgărașului at your own pace, Villa Transylvanian Inn in Predeluț is an excellent choice.

The comfortable rooms have balconies with breathtaking views of Bran Castle, Râșnov Fortress, the Bucegi Mountains, and Piatra Craiului. The restaurant is famous for its delicious dishes made from local ingredients and features a terrace with stunning landscapes.

At Transylvanian Inn, breakfast is included. After enjoying a varied selection of homemade treats and fresh coffee, you’ll be ready to set out on your adventures full of energy. If you’re planning day trips, the villa staff can prepare delicious packages for picnics, upon request. At lunch and dinner, you’ll enjoy dishes prepared from fresh local ingredients, paired with good wine or homemade elderflower juice (socată). Afterward, relax in the lovely garden, or in The Elevated Library, with stunning panoramic views.

For details and reservations, visit https://transylvanianinn.ro/en/.