The best cycling routes in Munții Gutâi

In the Maramures region (NW Romania), there are villages where centuries-old traditions are still part of daily life. The inhabitants of this area have preserved the rural culture and crafts of their Dacian ancestors to an astonishing degree. Woodlands make up more than four-fifths of the land area of Maramures. Thus, wood has long been and still is the medium of expression for the region's artisans. Unique wooden churches with tall towers and shingled roofs, wooden houses, and tall, carved, intricately carved wooden gates are striking elements of the local architecture. Hand-woven carpets adorn the homes of the locals, and intricate embroidery adorns folk costumes, which the locals still usually wear on Sundays. The local craftsmanship can best be observed at the monumental Maramures gates, which guard the entrance to the houses. Supported by three pillars, they are adorned with traditional ornamental motifs. these include the sun and the twisted rope – both symbols of life and continuity. Some of the most beautiful wooden gates can be found in the villages of Vadu Izei, Desesti, Giulesti, Budesti, Sarbi, Barsana, and Oncesti. The villages of Barsana and Oncesti perhaps have the most impressive gates.

Regardless of the direction from which you approach Maramures, you will always be greeted by a mighty wooden gate spanning the road, with ornate decorations. Carved wooden gates, placed directly on the road as entrance portals, are the trademark of the forest-rich Maramures. The old tradition of wood carving is kept alive in almost every village. In the past, the secrets of the art of carving and the deeper meaning of the symbolism used were passed down from father to son. Today, strangers are also initiated into the techniques and the meaning of the ornaments. It is interesting that a wooden gate as a whole already possesses symbolic power for the people of Maramures. The gate does not just represent a simple passage, but is a sign of the transition from one world to another. Traditionally in Romania, the most important transitional moments in a person's life are birth, marriage, and death. For this reason, these striking milestones of human life repeatedly appear in the symbols of the wooden gates. Particularly deeply laden with ancient mystical interpretations is the symbol of the sun. The sun represents birth and also stands for fertility, success, and happiness. The open blossoms appearing above the sun also symbolize birth, growth, and beauty. Grapes and vine leaves stand for fertility and prosperity. Braided ropes or twisted bands are seen as a unifying bond that is meant to hold together the family as well as the community of the village. Since they are usually two braided ropes, they also symbolize man and woman, good and evil, and day and night. Wheels and spiral blossoms stand for the regularity of the cosmos, which for people in the countryside is best shown in the constant return of the seasons. The crosses, usually placed centrally above the door, also stand for return. But besides the Christian-anchored rebirth, the crosses are also meant to offer protection from evil spirits. The depictions of deer, wolves, and bears, which were discovered as symbol carriers in Romania as early as in finds from the Bronze Age, serve the same purpose.

Nice and quiet road in beautiful landscape

Traditional wooden gate on the main road

A nearby nunnery has been used as such again since 1994. It consists of an extensive complex, with a small museum located in one of the buildings.

This campsite is run by Bram, the Dutch owner, and his Romanian wife. The campsite is basic but beautifully situated in nature, and the host is very friendly and helpful.

This monastery is incredible. Between the typical wooden buildings of Maramureș, the care taken, the flowers, a visit to the Bârsana Monastery is an unforgettable moment.

A very worth seeing village