Maramures
Some of the most beautiful little churches on earth and probably the best food in universe.
Maramures
Most of Romanians see Maramures as the mythical land of traditions. And on one hand it is, as there is no part of Romania where you can still see such sumptuous, colorful weddings as here – where the groom wears the colors of the national flag, the bride tons of beads and feather garments. Showing a traditional costume is a matter of pride still.
We love the wooden churches (Ieud and Barsana are top of the list), the Mineralogy Museum in Baia Mare, the Saint Mary’s day celebrations in August…
If you are up for a challenge Maramures has other two unique attractions. The Merry Cemetery in Sapanta is a one of a kind place in the country. Its tradition started in the 1930’s and three generations of wood workers carved and painted its over 800 crosses – each one is a piece of traditional art, hand painted in blue and engraved with a life story in rhymes.
A milestone of recent history is located in Sighetul Marmatiei. A visit to The Memorial of the Victims of Communism and of the Resistance is a good lesson about what working with the extremes can create as a system and society.
Slow train (mocanita), Maramures
Traditional wool work
Traditional custom - Luminatia
Ieud church interior
Photos by Sorin Onisor
Our Tours
Transylvania Step by Step Tour
Saxon Transylvania is a slice of medieval rural Europe. You’ll explore this fascinating area, visit the superb UNESCO world heritage fortified churches, the medieval citites of Brasov, Sighisoara and Sibiu, the villages that charmed the royals.
Essential Romania Weekend Tour
If you only have a couple of days to get a taste of Romania, if you plan an extended weekend or you are just finishing a cruise in Bucharest and you want some more, this is the tour for you. We’re quite sure you’ll be back for more!
Bucovina Step by Step Tour
Be prepared to enter a colourful land of legends, of incredible natural beauty, of UNESCO World Heritage painted churches, of amazing people that will do anything for you to have an amazing experience. There is no other place in the world like that.
Get Inspired
Viscri, the village Prince Charles made famous
The village of Viscri, or Weisskhirch (in Romanian "white church"), as it was formerly known, is less than two-hour drive from Brasov. The village was included in the UNESCO heritage list in 1999 and features on the world map of traditional villages. The road up there is dotted with plenty of attractions, so if you leave Brasov in the morning, you might only reach Viscri in the afternoon.
Rural life and local crafts in Transylvania
Transylvania offers sights and attractions to suit all tastes, but the authenticity found in the old rural settlements is something everyone loves. Transylvanian villages are places with a special charm, and the landscape of the area recalls memories of ancient times.
Peasants, Merchants and Knights – a Real Life Catan Story
The Saxon history of Transylvania begins unofficially in middle 1100's and officially in 1224 when the King of Hungary allowed the German peasants and merchants from Luxembourg and Flanders area to settle the southern part of the land to protect the Kingdom from invaders ...
