8 Day escorted tour from Cluj-Napoca to Cluj-Napoca
This is a High Quality Tour
New: Guaranteed departures to be advised soon
Introduction
The history of Maramures is told through the wood of their churches. Along the centuries, the area's foreign rulers did not allow the people living here to build long lasting stone churches, so instead, the local carpenters raised beautiful wooden churches to communicate with God. Thus wood became their best friend and companion.
Despite many predictions to the opposite, the churches have resisted the ravages of time and still remain in this north-western part of Romania, sustaining the local population and amazing visitors.
The wooden churches are gothic in architecture. Heavy oak beams some over 40 feet long weight the church to the earth. Hand hewn and joined timbers with roofs made from hand-split shingles transform the churches from architectural wonder to artistic beauty. Many of the church interiors are adorned with hand painted murals dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
As recognition for their unique value, cultural significance and beauty, eight out of the almost 100 old wooden churches of Maramures were granted the title of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These are located in the villages of Bârsana, Budeşti, Deseşti, Ieud, Plopiş, Poienile Izei, Rogoz and Surdeşti.
For most people, however, the highlight of the tour is the painted monasteries of the Bucovina area resplendent with color both within and without, and standing in rich upland valleys of the best Carpathian landscape. These 16th century monuments (often described as the finest flower of post- Byzantine monumental art) show how, even in a time of political struggle, the vitality of Christian culture in Moldavia continued unabated. The Moldavian style in architecture, begun earlier in a peaceful interlude under Stephen the Great and his son Petru (1457-1547), has a distinctive narrow aspect with large overhanging eaves and some Gothic features.
Finally, one is struck by the quality of Romanian popular art, whose vitality is still very much alive today. Lively pottery designs, bright textiles, carved woodwork are all part of a long-established tradition. The appreciation of all these things is much heightened by experiencing the equally vital traditions of friendliness and hospitality of Romanian country people.
Not in the least you will discover the finest wines of Romania and gastronomy traditions.
Period of validity: 18th of April – 31st of October 2022 for groups of 20-25 guests
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