The Blue Houses of Vaideeni: A Cultural Heritage at Risk

With a history spanning over a century, the blue houses of Vaideeni, once home to shepherds, stand as unique landmarks of Oltenia’s vernacular architecture. A group of young locals is working to save them from extinction, preserving them as part of their cultural heritage, CE Report quotes Agerpres

Vaideeni, a centuries-old Transylvanian shepherd settlement in Valcea, has long maintained distinct traditions. In 2015, a group of villagers, including Simona Dumitrescu and Raluca Popa, launched a project to document and restore these wooden-beamed, blue-painted homes, described by writer Dinu Sararu as 'the last remnants of Vaideeni's shepherd rural architecture.' Initially starting as a photography exhibition, the initiative has since expanded into a broader effort to promote local traditions and customs.

Today, only around 15 blue houses remain, many in poor condition. While preservation is challenging due to modern living standards and costs, each restored home is a victory. Some locals have stopped painting their homes blue, opting for white instead, making the few remaining blue houses even more significant.

Local authorities, recognizing Vaideeni as a tourist destination, aim to include these historic houses in a heritage circuit, ensuring their cultural value is appreciated for generations to come. The 'Mostenitorii' Cultural Association continues to lead efforts to safeguard Vaideeni’s identity, organizing events that connect younger generations with their ancestral traditions through crafts, music, and storytelling.