Maramureș
If you are from Romania for sure you already heard of Maramureș. If you are not, this region is a must on the visiting list if searching for old lost traditions is what makes you excited.
In my case, I was always eager to learn about the traditions which are on the edge of being lost. What also fascinates me is to have the chance taking to people which are still alive and lived the life in the old way. Basically, being in Telciu was mandatory to go visiting Maramureș again considering it was only a hill apart.
3 facts about this region
- Excellent location for a drive
Firstly, if you choose to go through Bistrița-Năsaud county the only road to arrive in Maramureș is via Romuli. Romuli is a village in the forest next to Sălăuța river which leads you to the top of a hill. From there, you can see Țibleș Mountains and Rodna Mountains. The view is breathtaking. Let’s take a look!
- Don’t miss the Carved Wooden Gates
Secondly, carved wooden gates are a symbol of Maramureș as well as the traditions which are so close to be forgotten by the young generation. Even if this part of Romania is consider to still keep them way better compared with other Romania’s regions, it is a little sad to see how they are fewer and fewer as years are passing by.
Getting on the positive side, don’t miss the carven wooden gate between Bistrița-Năsaud & Maramureș counties.
Thirdly, if you are visiting this area, the Merry Cemetery is a most on the list as it is completely different. It follows a deferent pattern.
Its creator, Dumitru Pop, creates a unique cemetery. Graves wooden crosses with blue paint, original poems, and personal stories about each person buried there is its definition. All the stories seem to take death as a “funny” event. Stories like a fresh breath of air which are making you to travel back in time . The Săpânța blue as well as the pomes written in the old dialect makes the experience unique.
Overall, Maramureș has a lot to offer if you are looking for what it used to be. The plus to the experience would be talking with locales and finding insides about the life there and well as the hidden places which are still unknown to the visitors. Romania has such beautiful places!
