Maramures: Discovering Romania’s Timeless Wooden Villages

Embark on a captivating journey to Maramures, the land of exquisite wooden architecture, departing from Cluj at 8:00 a.m.. As we traverse the Eastern Carpathians four times throughout the day, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of rolling landscapes, vibrant flower fields and charming scenes of horse-drawn carts, offering a glimpse into rural Romanian life.

Our first stop will be in Tara Chioarului microregion, where we’ll visit the 18th-century wooden church of Surdesti. This impressive structure, the tallest of the eight UNESCO-listed wooden churches of Maramureș, remains a marvel despite the need for some restoration of its paintings.

We then journey to Valea Cosaului and the renowned village of Breb. If it’s not a religious holiday, you’ll have the opportunity to meet local craftsmen who continue time-honored woodworking traditions. Discover the fascinating connections between this village, HRH King Charles III and author William Blacker. Marvel at the gigantic wooden gates and decipher their rich symbolism, from protective symbols like the wolf’s tooth to representations of the sun, the tree of life and the rope motif.

A delightful lunch at a local farm will provide a unique insight into rural Maramures life, perhaps even a glimpse into a traditional dowry room.

Continuing our exploration, we’ll visit another UNESCO-listed wooden church in Desesti, renowned for its beautifully preserved naive paintings.

Our journey then takes us along the scenic Mara Valley to Sapanta. In the late afternoon, we’ll arrive at the unforgettable Merry Cemetery in Sapanta, a uniquely colorful and joyful reflection of the local’s vibrant approach to life.

We’ll return to Cluj late in the evening, concluding this wonderful discovery of Maramures.

Car transfers: approx. 7h30min, ~500 km / 310 mi

(lunch included, breakfast & dinner not included)