Table of Contents:

Introducing Maramure[ Foreword .................................................................................................................. page 1 How to use this guide ................................................................................................page 1 Baia Mare .................................................................................................................. page 2 Around Baia Mare. Recreation for all seasons ...................................................... page 4 Dese[ti ....................................................................................................................... page 6 Sighetu Marma]iei .................................................................................................... page 8 Around Sighetu Marama]iei. The Merry Cemetery.............................................. page 10 B=rsana ................................................................................................................... page 12 Poienile Izei ............................................................................................................ page 14 Ieud ......................................................................................................................... page 16 Bude[ti .................................................................................................................... page 18 Rogoz ...................................................................................................................... page 20 Plopi[ ...................................................................................................................... page 22 {urde[ti ................................................................................................................... page 23 Useful Information. Maramure[ Tourism Centers................................................ page 24

Maramures ,
Maramure[, a small and unique location in northern Romania, has carefully and distinctively preserved the culture, traditions and lifestyle of a mediaeval peasant past. Whilst Romania is on the verge of economically and socially joining the rest of Europe, Maramure[ stands as a testament to the traditional, to a romantic era of simplicity, pride and moral values that many of us can only now read about or hear about from our grandparents.
Geography Situated in the northwest of Romania, the region occupies an area of 6304 square kilometers, borders Ukraine and also the counties of Suceava, Bistri]a N\s\ud, Cluj Napoca, S\laj and Satu Mare. Almost 50% of the region is considered mountainous. The Gut=i, }ible[ and Rodna Mountains, running northwest to east, separate Historical Maramure[ from the rest of the region while the Maramure[ Mountains form a natural and political boundary with Ukraine in the northeast. The region is abundant with clean fast-flowing rivers constantly refreshed by the surrounding mountains. The names of the major rivers are also used to distinguish the regions in historical Maramure[ the Iza, the Mara, the Vi[eu and the Tisa. History The first written documentation of Maramure[ dates back to the year 1199, but archaeological evidence points to habitation of these lands since the Neolithic age. Whilst much of Dacia (the old name corresponding to lands south of the Carpathians and north of the Danube) was conquered by the Romans, Maramure[, in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, was largely independent. In the middle ages, Dacian-Roman society was influenced by neighboring tribes. Feudal settlements were established between the 4th and 10th centuries and were largely institutionalized and sanctioned by the church. In the 13th century, Magyar (Hungarian) chiefs began their conquest of Transylvania and by the of the 14th century, the whole Transylvania region, including Maramure[, was under Hungarian rule. Maramure[ officially became part of the Transylvanian principality in 1526, then part of the Habsburg Empire in 1687 and was annexed by Hungary in 1703. Revolution in 1848 ended the Habsburg Dynasty and in 1918, Transylvania, including Maramure[, united with the Kingdom of Romania. In 1940, Maramure[ and Northern Transylvania was given by

Nazi Germany to Hungary and subsequently returned in 1945 with the withdrawal of German and Hungarian troops. In the early 1960s most individual peasants were forced to give their lands to collective farms instituted under the communist regime. Despite this forced collectivization, genuine art and folk traditions continued to flourish in Maramure[. Ethnographic Zones Maramure[ County is comprised of the following ethnographic zones: the Land of Maramure[, the Land of L\pu[, the Land of Chioar and the largest part of the Codru Land. Five of the wooden UNESCO World Heritage churches presented in this guide are situated in the Land of Maramure[ (Dese[ti, Bude[ti, Brsana, Poienile Izei, Ieud), two in the Land of Chioar ({urde[ti and Plopi[) and one in the Land of L\pu[ (Rogoz). Tourism Maramure[ is considered by many to be the heart and soul of rural Romania. With its picturesque countryside of small villages, rolling hills, pastures, and meadows full of wildflowers, Maramure[ epitomizes all that the rural lifestyle encompasses. Visitors to Maramures have a unique opportunity to step back in time and bear witness to simpler times and simpler lives. Rural and ecotourism opportunities abound throughout Maramure[. Visitors are invited to spend a night in a rural guesthouse, taste traditional foods, and witness traditional handicraft creation. In the larger towns and cities, especially Baia Mare, there are many quality levels of accommodation for the visitor to choose from. Hikers and mountain trekkers can take in Maramure['s breathtaking landscapes which are accessible through a large network of trails. Those fond of winter

sports can enjoy skiing for all ability levels in Cavnic, Mogo[a, {uior, Izvoarele or Bor[a. The large museums in Baia Mare and Sighetu Marma]iei are not the only cultural attractions in the area. Keep you eyes open for the many small treasures that can be found in tiny village museums and memorial houses. You might even stumble upon a fine collection of old books or icons painted on wood and glass that are tucked away in a remote village church. Distinctive wooden architecture clearly distinguishes Maramure[ from other regions of Romania. In particular, ornately carved wooden gates convey an undeniable local identity to this land. Maramure[ is also home to many old wooden churches which have been visited and admired by people from all over the world. These special monuments, particularly the 8 UNESCO World Heritage churches, are the focus of this guide. We invite you to travel along the scenic byways of Maramure[ and discover these magnificent churches and their interesting and unique histories.

Fo re w o rd
The history of the people of Maramure[ 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. 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 northwestern Romanian land , sustaining the local populace and amazing visitors. Eight wooden churches from Maramure[ have been inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list. These churches, which date from the mid-fourteenth until the late eighteenth centuries, include: {urde[ti (1721), Plopi[ (1792), Bude[ti Josani (1643), Brsana (1720), Dese[ti (1770), Poienile Izei (1604), Ieud-Deal (mid fourteenth century) and Rogoz (1663).

How To Use This Map-Guide

Dear Visitor, This brochure intends to highlight these eight wooden churches located along a circuit through Maramure[ and is dedicated to those who visit the region by car. By following the route exactly, or in pieces, you can explore the World Heritage and beautiful countryside of Maramure[. In order to maximize your visit in Maramure[, the guide also includes information on other tourism attractions located near the highlighted churches. The key feature of this guide is the large, fold-out, full color map to help you navigate easily around the suggested route. Also included is a brief history and general interesting information about Maramure[ and short descriptions of each monument featured on the trail. In an effort to make your journey easier, directions and distances between each stop are clearly described. The guide also offers a few suggestions for accommodation and dining. This trail includes two major cities in Maramure[ County: the current county capital, Baia Mare, and the former, historical one, Sighetu-Marma]iei. Our approach to these cities is more detailed in order to reflect their greater significance and the larger variety of tourist objectives found. The last page of this guide provides the contact information for Tourist Information Centers located in each major city on the trail. We encourage you to visit these centers for all of your informational needs. Before embarking on your tour it is advised that you call the phone numbers specified in this guide for each monument to announce your visit. There are only a few sites where the guardian can reliably be found onsite. Most guardians can usually be reached by telephone prior to your visit. We wish you a pleasant trip And hope you will

ENJOY YOUR WORLD HERITAGE TRAIL!

Baia Mare
A
ny tour of Maramure[ should start with its capital, Baia Mare, the point of easiest access to the county. A mixture between medieval history and modernism, Baia Mare is a medium-sized city with many sights and points of interest for visitors to explore. One major unique feature of the city is the sweet chestnut tree reserve. Baia Mare is the northernmost location in Europe where Castanea sativa can be found.This natural treasure is celebrated annually at the end of September during the three days of the Chestnut Festival.
granted with many rights and privileges leading to the town's development into one of the richest medieval towns in the area.

Access to Baia Mare:

The city is located in a depression in the western part of Maramure[ approximately 80 km from the border with Hungary. Baia Mare's fastest connection with Bucharest is by plane and the airport is located 8 km outside of the city. Tourists arriving in Bucharest or Budapest may also fly to Satu Mare (70 km) or Cluj Napoca, (150 km) and then travel via train, bus or car to Baia Mare.

Places to visit:
Recently restored, the Old City Center is a nice testimony of the medieval history of Baia Mare and is the pride of the city's residents. Most of the architectural monuments and museums are located in this area. The town's emblematic building, the Stephen Tower, has seen six centuries of very troubled history. Between 1347 and 1387 St. {tefan's Church was erected and a Gothic bell tower was added in 1446. In 1769 the church was struck by lightning and burned down. After several attempts to

History:
Baia Mare as a settlement can be traced as far back as 450 BC. The area has historically served as an important mining colony and archaeological research points to the fact that the gold and silver in this area had been intensely exploited even prior to the Roman conquest of Dacia. The first written attestation of the town of Baia Mare dates back to 1329, when it was mentioned under the name of Rivulus Dominarum or Rivulo Dominarum (The City of the River of the Ladies). In 1527, King Ioan Sigismund gave the town its name of Baia Mare. Due to royal policies which supported mining during the Middle Age, the town of Baia Mare was

to rebuild the church, each followed by another fire, the remaining walls were torn down in 1847 for use as construction stone. Of the whole church, today only the tower remains. Also located in the Old City Center (Libert\]ii Square), the lancu de Hunedoara House was initially part of the former medieval castle built by Transylvania's ruler lancu de Hunedoara for his wife. The building was finished around 1468 by their son, King Matei Corvin. Other architectural monuments of interest are: the Holy Trinity Church (1720), the Butchers' Tower and many other buildings from the 17 th and 18th centuries. Among the modern buildings, one of the most appreciated is the Prefecture Building, (Gh. Sincai Str.), built in 1968.

Museums
The edifice of the former mint (Monetariei Str., No. 1-3) now houses the Archeology and History Museum containing various collections including: archaeology, mining techniques, numismatics (coins, medals), stamps, seals, weapons, clocks, etc. Recently, the museum has been equipped with an audio guide service in Romanian, English, and French. The Ethnography and Folk Art Museum, located at the foot of Florilor Hill, reflects the traditional occupations, crafts, folk clothing and religious objects specific to old Maramure[, while the nearby Village Museum covers the traditional architecture and technical installations from the four ethnographic regions of the county. The Art Museum. (1 Mai Str, No. 8) contains a lovely collection of paintings, sculpture and graphics belonging to Baia Mares famous artist colony. The Planetarium of Baia Mare (G. Co[buc Str., No. 16) gives daily presentations of the stars and other astronomic highlights. The Mineralogy Museum (Traian Blvd, No. 8) contains an extensive and interesting inventory of rare minerals and gems from the mining areas of Maramure[ County, some of which are unique in the whole world.

Parks and Landscapes

Not far from the Museum of Ethnography, confined to a hilly area covered with coniferous trees, is the municipal park. A fanfare kiosk, a little pond, a restaurant, a night club and a narrow gauge toy-like train for children entertainment provide entertainment for those looking for more than just a relaxing stroll. A zoo is located near the park. Several hundred meters uphill from the open-air Ethnography Museum, the scenic Dealul Florilor Inn offers good beer and steaks with a wide panorama of the town. If you tire of driving or just wish to stretch your legs a little, try a one hour leisurely walk along the Usturoi valley.

Accomodation & Restaurants

Mara Hotel (3 stars) Unirii Boulevard, No. 11, Tel: ^40 262 226 660, www.hotelmara.ro Carpa]i Hotel (4 stars) Bd. Independen]ei, Nr. 2, Tel: ^40 262 214 812, www.hotelcarpati.ro Rivulus Hotel (3 stars) Str. Culturii, Nr. 3, Tel: ^40 262 216 302 EuroHotel (3 stars) Bucure[ti Boulevard, No. 23, Tel: ^40 262 222 405 RESTAURANTS Millenium Restaurant Libert\]ii Square, No. 5, Tel: ^40 262 211 761 Rustic Restaurant Transilvaniei Street, No. 15, Tel: ^40 262 276 367 Corvin Medieval Restaurant Libet\]ii Square, No. 16, Tel: ^40 0262 213 889 Parc Restaurant Valea Ro[ie Street, No. 28 PIZZA PLACES Pizza H Bucure[ti Boulevard, No. 6, Tel: ^40 262 211 012 Il Padrino Baia Mare, Str. Victoriei nr. 47, Tel: 0262-27.56.29

Around Baia Mare

The countryside surrounding Baia Mare provide visitors with ample opportunities for recreation no matter the season. Lakes and forests abound providing summer visitors with many outdoor activities while numerous ski slopes offer visitors ample wintertime distraction. Mogo[a Chalet is located 15 km from Baia Mare. Swimming in the lake and climbing the surrounding peaks are the chief summer attractions, while the famous ski slope and the chair lift are the appeal during the winter months. (www.mogosa.ro) Located just 1 km from here is the {uior Tourism Complex, another area for relaxation and escape from day-to-day life. Accommodation here is provided by 3 mini-hotels. The ski slope, with a length of 1400 m, is equipped with a chair lift. (www.suior.ro) The Creasta Coco[ului (The Rooster's Crest), another natural attraction in the area, is a craggy cliff offering excellent climbing opportunities for mountaineers. The Izvoarele Resort, set amongst stunning scenery, is located 32 km from Baia Mare and offers accommodation, relaxation, and skiing facilities. Half-way between Baia Mare and Izvoarele is the Firiza Dam and lake, offering stunning scenery which is well worth a brief stop.

Desesti ,
he Wooden Churches Trail begins with a steep and winding ascent from Baia Mare into forest covered mountains. At the top of Guti Pass, the picturesque landscape opens up before you. The road then continues down the Mara Valley towards Dese[ti, the first World Heritage site on this itinerary.
Legend maintains that in 1717 the wooden church of Dese[ti was set ablaze during a Tatar invasion, during which many villagers died trying to save the church. The legend continues to say that the location of the current church was chosen by the new altar stone. The consecrated stone was erected in several different places and each time it fell over. After five attempts, the stone remained upright and through its own discovery of stability and peace, determined the site for the church, called Pious Paraschiva. According to the inscription on a beam of the pronaos roof the interior frescoes date from 1780 and is the work of master painter Radu Munteanu from the village Ungureni in the Land of L\pu[, and of his helper Gheorghe (from Dese[ti). Perhaps the most unique of the frescoes is the depiction of The Last Judgment. In the painting the sinners are individualized by their costumes: the Turks and the Tartars wear shalwars and tunics, the Germans wear cutaways and small hats, the Francs wear tights, short tunics and very tall hats. The cemetery surrounding the church is populated by many Celtic crosses. Each of these

crosses is inscribed in a circle or semicircle and bordered with saw teeth (of wolf). The itinerary continues from Desesti to Sighetu-Marama]iei. The section of the route along the Mara Valley ends at Vadu Izei where the river Mara flows into the Iza. Be sure to pay a visit to the quaint visitor information center located here in a traditional house on the left side of the road, in the center of the village. After another 2 km you will reach Sighetu-Marma]iei. Contact info for visiting the church: Priest Ioan Sigart\u, tel: ^40 262 37 26 14

Accomodation
Anca Guesthouse (2 daisies) Dese[ti, Main Street, No. 286, tel: ^40 262 372 635 Irina Guesthouse (2 daisies) Dese[ti, Main Street, No. 259, tel: ^40 262 372 603 Teleptean Guesthouse (2 daisies) Vadu Izei, Main Street, No. 320, tel: ^40 262 330 341 Casa tradi]ional\ Borlean (2 daisies) Vadu Izei, Zavoi Street, No. 689A, tel: ^40 262 330 228 Doina Guesthouse (3 daisies) Vadu Izei, {ug\u Street, No 75 tel: ^40 262 330 602

Sighetu marmatiei ,
T
he county's second largest city, Sighetu Marma]iei, is located at the confluence of the rivers Iza, Tisa and Roni[oara at the North-West border of the country. It was the old capital of the historical province of Maramures and written documents attest to the town as far back as 1326. In some specialists' opinions, the name of the town comes from the old Thracian word Zeget, meaning fortress. Another explanation for the name could be the Hungarian Sziget, which means island.
The inhabitants of Sighetu Marma]iei proudly claim that they live in the very heart of Europe, since not far from Sighet (on land that today belongs to Ukraine), a landmark made by the Austro-Hungarian geographical society at the end of the 19th century demarcates the geographical center of Europe. The former capital of Maramure[ also maintains many traces of old traditions and costumes. Exemplary of this rich cultural heritage is the Festival of Winter Traditions and Customs, held annually in Sighet on the 27th and 28th of December, in which the entire town transforms into an open-air stage focusing on the unique traditions of the area. Foreign travelers before World War II, described Sighetu Marma]iei as a town with a strong Jewish component. The tragedy of the deportation to Nazi concentration camps that struck Jewish communities throughout Eastern Europe did not spare the local population here. Elie Wiezel, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate,

was born here and his work is a living piece of this tragedy. In 1948, following the Russian model of administration, the capital of the region was moved to Baia Mare. Sighet, however, remains a small but vibrant city where visitors and residents alike enjoy the bustle of daily life.

visit the open-air section of the museum, called the Village Museum. The museum is located on the Dob\ie[ Hill just as you enter the town coming from the direction of Baia Mare. Both of the above-mentioned museums are equipped with audio guides in Romanian, English and French. Other museums of interest in Sighetu Marma]iei include the The History and Archaeology Museum and the Museum of Natural Sciences (Libert\]ii Square, No. 15). The Memorial of the Victims of Communism and of the Resistance, popularly known as The Prison Museum, is located in the former political prison, right next to the civic center of the town. At 17 Ioan Mihalyi de Ap[a Street, you can find the Memorial House of Ioan Mihalyi de Ap[a, a famous local scientist who wandered across Maramure[ and made important archeological discoveries. Elie Wiesel's House (T. Vladimirescu Str., No.1) has been transformed into a museum hosting an important collection of photos, pieces of furniture and other objects belonging to members of Sighet's Jewish community.

Places to visit
Sighetu Marma]iei offers the tourist a wide palette of architectural styles including Gothic, Baroque and Eclectic. The Protestant church was built in the 15th century on the location of another edifice, erected in the early Gothic style between 1050-1150.

Museums
The building at no. 1, Bogdan Vod\ Street houses the Ethnographic Museum of Maramure[ which displays a wide variety of objects related to folk culture: icons, agricultural tools, traditional furniture and costumes, rugs, ceramics, masks and architectural elements. Tourists eager to learn more about the traditional wooden architecture of Maramure[ are invited to

Around Sighetu Marma]iei

Less than 20 km away from Sighet is the town of S\pn]a, famous for its truly unique Merry Cemetery, a must-see for anyone visiting Maramure[. The cemetery owes its name to the vivid colors of the headboards on which naively painted scenes narrate the biography of the deceased. The rhymes are deprived of usual clichs and remain fresh and original.

Very close to S\p=n]a is the Peri Monastery, home to the tallest wooden church in the world, with a spire reaching 78 meters. The monastery, built in the Maramure[ architectural style, is situated beautifully in the middle of a forest.

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Accomodation & Restaurants

Casa Iurca de C\line[ti Guesthouse (4 stars) Drago[ Vod\ Street, No. 14, tel: ^40 318 882 Vila Royal Ioan Mihaly de Ap[a Street, No. 1,

tel: ^40 0262 311004 www.vilaroyal.ro Perla Sighetean\ Motel Avram Iancu Street, No. 65, tel: ^40 262 310 613 www.perla-sigheteana.alphanet.ro Nova Hotel Bogdan Vod\ Street, No. 219, tel: ^40 262 315 615 www.hotelnova.ro

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^ bArsana
fter visiting the Peri Monastery, the trail returns through Sighet continuing along the road south into Vadu Izei where you will turn left and begin the journey along the Iza Valley, through a series of small villages and hamlets set amidst rolling hills. 20 km from Sighet lies Brsana, one of the largest villages in the Iza Valley.
The signposted wooden church at B=rsana, known as the Holy Mother's Entrance, was originally built in 1720 and later moved to its present location on Jbr Hill in 1806. According to legend, Jbr Hill used to be a cemetery for plague victims. Plague victims were buried hurriedly, without a religious service. Most likely it was the strong religious convictions of the locals which led to the churches relocation. Tradition holds that religious services for the dead are of extreme importance and the relocation of the church would allow these unfortunate souls to rest for eternity in the shadow of the church. A construction peculiarity of the church is the double-eaved roof. The interior frescoes were painted in the Baroque style. The side walls of the naos depict scenes from both the Old and New Testament. Of particular beauty are the flocks of angels and the touching depiction of the cherubim with eyes covering their bodies. The B=rsana Monastery is located at the southern end of the village and merits a visit by travelers. Within the confines of the monastery, visitors will be hard-pressed to not feel the emotion and pulsing life of the mountains, flowers, fields, and hills of the area. Spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and stunning wooden architecture make the monastery one of the most special places in all of Maramure[. Most of the buildings within the monastery complex are open to the public. Brsana is also home to Teodor Brsan, a famous handicraftsman in wood, whose work is reknowned all over Maramure[ and beyond. His son, Ioan B=rsan, has inherited his skillfulness and carries on the old handicraft to this day. Contact Info for visiting the church: Priest Urda, tel: ^40 262 331 006 Contact Info for visiting the artisan: B=rsana, No. 599

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Accomodation
Fratii Pa[ca Complex (3 stars) Brsana, V\leniului Street, No. 1338A, tel: ^40 262 331 165, www.fratiipasca.ro Petrovai Guesthouse (2 daisies) Brsana, Main Street, No. 119, tel: ^40 262 331 061

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poienile izei
pon leaving Brsana, the trail continues to follow the meandering of the Iza River. In the village of Rozavlea, you can visit the old wooden church erected around 1717-1720 on the site of an earlier house of worship that had been destroyed by the Tatars.
Once you reach the village of {ieu, home to another wooden church (1760), keep and eye out for the turn off toward Poienile Izei. Take a right turn off of the main road and follow the signs toward the next stop on the trail. The UNESCO designated wooden church at Poienile Izei, Pious Parashiva, is one of the most beautiful and well preserved monuments in all of Maramure[. The church was built in 1604 and is covered on the interior with spectacular frescoes. It contains several scenes of the Last Judgment on its pranaos (walls). The scenes depict images of punishments for sins: the liar hanged by his tongue, the witch gored by cows for casting a spell on them, the farmer plowed by two devils for stealing his neighbor's land, the mother forced to swallow her aborted baby, and the person who sleeps while the priest is preaching is forced to lay on a burning bed and endure the devil's violin. Nearby Poienile Izei is the quaint village of Botiza which is famous for women's artistry in weaving traditional rugs. In the center of the village, there is a wooden church, built in 1699 at Vi[eu de Jos, which was moved to its present location towards the end of the 19th century. Contact info for visiting the church: Priest Ioan Pop, tel: ^40 262 334 321

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Accomodation
La Domni]a Guesthouse (3 daisies) Poienile Izei, Main Street, No. 138, tel: ^40 262 334 383 Casa Sid\u Guesthouse (2 daisies) Botiza, Valea Sasului Street, No. 63, tel: ^40 262 334 119 Poienar Guesthouse (2 daisies) Botiza, Main Street, No. 833, tel: ^40 262 334 149 Man Maria Guesthouse (2 daisies) {ieu, Main Street, No. 634, tel: ^40 262 333 513 Iza Guesthouse (3 daisies) Rozavlea, Main Street, No. 227, tel: ^40 262 333 033

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ieud
T
he trail now returns to ieu where a right turn back on to the main road continues the journey along the Iza River. The next point of interest is the village of Ieud, just off the main road from Bogdan Vod. Situated at the foot of the northern slope of the ible Mountain, the village of Ieud was first mentioned in documents in 1364.You shouldn't miss its two wooden churches, which are among the most important in the Land of Maramure.The church on the Hill, inscribed in UNESCO's World Heritage List, is made of fir tree wood and considered to be the oldest wooden structure in Europe.

According to some historians, the church was built in the mid-fourteenth century and is devoted to the Birth of Holy Mary celebrated on September 8th. The interior frescoes were made by Alexandru Ponehalski, one of the most active church painters in Maramure. The painting in the pronaos depict the Last Judgment, where the blaze of the inferno is about to engulf the sinners. In the attic of this church, a document dating from 1391 was found that is known as The Codex of Ieud, generally considered to be the first example of written Romanian. The lower church was erected in 1718, just after the last raid of the Tatars. It is one of the largest wooden buildings in Romania. Ieud is also home to the unique Hemp

Museum, hosted by the Ple[ family, who changed a peasant household into a real ethnographic settlement. Contact info: Ieud, No. 909, Tel: ^40 262 336 104

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Driving back to the main road, you soon reach Bogdan Vod (formerly Cuhea), once the residence of the ruler Bogdan, who founded the feudal state of Moldavia. The wooden church in Bogdan Vod was built in 1722. The next village along the trail is Dragomire[ti. About midway through the village you will see a quaint house museum focusing on the life of the Romanian peasant in Maramure[. On display here are traditional costumes, including wedding costumes, textiles, pottery, and wood carvings. Contact info Dragomire[ti, Tel: ^40 262 337 417 Dragomire[ti is also home to a newer wooden church and a monastery. The last village of the Iza Valley is Scel, famous for its pottery. The ceramics from Scel closely resemble those of the Dacians by the shape of the pots, the decorative

Accomodation
Casa Oniga Guesthouse (2 daisies) Ieud, Main Street, No. 275, tel: ^40 262 336 372 Chindris Guesthouse (2 daisies) Ieud, Main Street, No. 201, tel: ^40 262 336 197 Casa Ilea Guesthouse (2 daisies) Ieud, Main Street, No. 306, tel: ^40 262 336 039 elements, and work techniques which include red burning and stone polishing. The kiln, however, is of Roman origin. Today, pottery is practiced in S\cel using the same ancient techniques. Contact info for visiting the church: Priest Alexandru Brici, tel: ^40 262 336 203

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budesti ,
ur World Heritage Trail continues by following the route back until reaching Brsana once again, at which point you will need to turn left toward C\line[ti. Upon reaching C\line[ti, turn left following the Cos\u Valley. Shortly you will pass through the charming village of Srbi. Almost every household in this village has its own carved wooden gate. It is worthwhile to stop briefly to examine the still operational water mill, located midway through the village. Srbi is also home to two talented hat-makers: Ioan B=rlea and Vasile Borodi who hand-make hats from straws and sawdust which are integral to the male costume of Maramure[. Contact info: Ioan B=rlea (Bude[ti, No. 138,Tel: ^40 262 373 917) and Vasile Borodi (Bude[ti, No. 180) Our next UNESCO monument is the oak church of Bude[ti-Josani, built in 1643 on the site of an earlier church. Dedicated to Saint Nicoar\, the old Romanian name for Saint Nicholas, the church was constructed from thick pieces of oak placed on a foundation of river stones. Inside the church, the chain mail shirt and armor helmet of Pintea the Brave, a local Robin Hood, can be viewed. Tradition says that he brought these pieces here himself. Alexandru Ponehalschi painted the interior in bright, warm colors, around 1762. The church is also known for its collection of 17th century icons painted on glass and wood. An earlier icon from a 15th century church contains Slavonic inscriptions and depicts Saint John the Baptist. The other church in Bude[ti (Susani Church) was erected in 1760. Be sure to take a close look at the scenes from the Life and Passion of Christ and the panoramic depiction of Paradise, swarming with sundry animals, quaintly blending the real and imaginary. Those who are interested in viewing some remarkable architecture and, tall, carved, wooden gates are encouraged to make the short trip to Breb and Hoteni, two villages close to Bude[ti. Each May the village of Hoteni hosts a famous and colorful ritual, called Tnjaua de pe Mara, to

celebrate the occasion of the first man starting to work the fields that spring. In September, the yard of Anu]a and Ion Pop hosts the annual Village Dance. Another site in the neighborhood is Ocna {ugatag, featuring salt water mineral baths as the main attraction. It is a central location with comfortable accommodation. From Bude[ti, the trail follows the road to Cavnic, an old mining settlement, first mentioned in documents in 1455. Over the past few years, Cavnic has evolved into a popular winter destination due to its ski slopes and recently built chalets. Contact Info for visiting the church: Priest Ioan N\ne[tean, tel: ^40 262 373 615 (or go to the city hall across the church and ask for the key).

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Accomodation
Casa Alba Guesthouse (3 daisies), Ocna {ugatag, Prim\verii Street, No. 12, tel: ^40 262 374 004 Mariana Guesthouse (3 daisies) Ocna {ugatag, Prim\verii Street, No. 39, tel: ^40 262 374 131 Pohl Guesthouse (2 daisies) Ocna {ugatag, Unirii Street, No 10, tel: ^40 262 374 250 Adina Guesthouse (2 daisies) Cavnic, Independen]ei Street, No. 11, tel: ^40 262 295 653 www.adina.pensiuni.info.ro

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rogoz
hortly after passing the slopes of Cavnic, you will turn left and enter into the Land of L\pu[ via the town of Strmbu B\iu[. 25 km from Cavnic is the village of L\pu[, located on a road surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests where archaeologists have unearthed a tumular necropolis dating to the early Bronze Age.
A short distance from L\pu[ is the small village of Rogoz, home to another UNESCO monument. According to tradition, the church The Saint Archangels Michael and Gabriel was built in 1633 from two huge twin trees brought from Dealul Popii (The Priest's Hill). The church seems to have survived the Tartar invasion of 1717 as the Land of L\pu[ was affected less by the danger from the Tartars than the Land of Maramure[. The interior frescoes, painted in 1785 by Radu Munteanu and Nicolae Man, remain only in the nave and in the pronaos, with some of the scenes split up and others faded. The uniqueness of the church Saint Archangels Michael and Gabriel is given by its southern entrance, asymmetrical roof and horse-head cantilever joints. The 'Elder's' table covered by the eaves on the northern side of the church has markings corresponding to the families entitled to sit at it. On religious holidays, these families offered meals to the poor in memory of the dead. Rogoz is also home to a master woodcarver, Mr. {erban, whose sign-posted home and workshop can be found just up the road from the church. contact info: Rogoz, No. 247, Tel ^40 745 642 120 The first town you will drive through after leaving Rogoz is Trgu L\pu[, the region's oldest settlement and the starting point for various routes through the Land of L\pu[. Contact Info for visiting the church: Land of L\pu[ Microregion Association, tel: ^40 262 384 438, www.lapus.ro

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Accomodation
Maria Guesthouse, Rohia tel: ^40 262 387 422 www.pensiuneamaria.com Pensiunea Aurica, T=rgu L\pu[ }ible[ului Street, No. 54, tel: ^40 262 385 082

One of the most beautiful attractions in the Land of L\pu[ is the Monastery of Rohia 12 km South from Trgu L\pu[. This place impresses with an atmosphere of peace and meditation, its park, buildings and vast library. Rohia was one of the centers of spiritual resistance against communism and one of the most profound thinkers of contemporary Romanian culture, Nicolae Steinhardt, chose to follow the path of voluntary seclusion here. The monastery welcomes guests throughout the year.

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plopis ,
F
rom Trgu L\pu[, the trail continues beneath the quaint Culmea Prelucii Mountains. After the village of Cerne[ti, in the middle of the forest, sign-posted and 2 km from the main road, is the Florean Museum, an outdoor marble sculpture museum. The pleasant walk through the forest to the museum is approximately 20 minutes each way. Moving further along the main road you will turn right once you reach Copalnic M\n\[tur and continue on to the remaining two UNESCO wooden churches in Maramure[. First up is the church at Plopi[, located about 2 km off the main road. We are now in the Land of Chioar.
to the dedication of the church was extracted from a document drafted on the occasion of its dedication which was later found in the abutment of the altar. It was here that 49 coins, deposited by each family of the village, were also discovered. Despite the relatively modest dimensions: 17 m in length, 7 m in breadth and 47 m in height, the church at Plopi[ is remarkable for its well-balanced proportions, giving credence to the opinion that the church is one of the most united and integrated religious constructions in Maramure[. According to tradition, the frescoes, the iconostasis, and the altar icon are attributed to {tefan the Painter, and were completed between 1810-1811. The inscription at the back of the altar icon certifies this paternity, namely that it was painted by {tefan the Painter. The size of the church, the proportions of the body of the church, realized in the Blockblau style, and the roof exhibit an exceptional sense of harmony. The steeple is raised above the pronaos with a robust structure that is imposed by its considerable height and includes a pyramidal helmet framed in the four corners by four miniature towers giving the church a soaring silhouette..

Just like the church at Rogoz, the wooden church of Plopi[ is also devoted to the Saint Archangels Michael and Gabriel, whose celebratration every year is held on November 8th. The village of Plopi[, situated in the Cavnic Valley, is first mentioned in documents in 1583, as a settlement belonging to the Chioar Fortress. The inhabitants of Plopi[ were renowned for their carpentry skills and the fruits of their labors can be found throughout the county. In 1798 the villagers began construction of a new church meant to replace their older house of worship. On the 12th of November 1811, to the joy of the 49 founder-families the new church was completed. The information referring

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surdesti ,
pon leaving Plopi[, turn right once back to the main road for the trip to the village of {urde[ti. The wooden church of {urde[ti, devoted to the Saint Archaengels Michael and Gabriel, was built in 1721 under the direction of Toma Macarie. The church steeple is claimed to be the tallest old wooden structure in the world. In the past, people believed that the taller the church tower was, the easier their prayers could reach up to Heaven.
The interior frescoes, executed by {tefan of {i[e[ti in 1783, were applied on canvas strips which in turn fill the gaps between the wooden beams. On Sundays this church is still used by the locals as a house of worship. As with so many of the churches in Maramure[, the one in {urde[ti is an integral part of the village landscape. Apple trees grow in the courtyard and outside of the protective gates, firewood is stacked next door to provide heat in winter, and barrels of harvested fruit await transport to the nearest Palinc\ still. Recently, an Information Center has been inaugurated in {urde[ti by Mrs. Georgeta Iuga, a very enthusiastic promoter of Maramure[ traditional art. Visitors to this center are invited to admire pieces of art made by local artisans and can find all kinds of information on rural heritage. You can find cozy accommodation at the Amethyst Guesthouse, located on the main road running through {urde[ti. This village is also known for its traditional spring custom known as Ud\toriu. Every year, on the second day of Easter, the hardest working villager (ud\toriu) is celebrated by all the locals. After the celebrating ritual, the ud\toriu will host a big feast and dance! The church at {urde[ti ends our itinerary of the UNESCO World Heritage Monuments in Maramure[. Upon leaving the church, return to the main road and turn right. Follow the road, until you reach Baia Sprie, at which point a left turn will return you shortly to Baia Mare. Contact Info for visiting the church: ^40 262 298 744

Accomodation
Amethyst Guesthouse, {urde[ti, Cavnicului Street, No 455, tel: ^40 262 289 530 www.amethyst.baiamare.rdsnet.ro

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Useful Information MARAMURE{ TOURISM CENTERS

County Center for Tourism Information Maramure[ Infoturism Gheorghe {incai Street, No. 46, Baia Mare, Tel: ^40 262 216 674 email: maramuresinfoturism@yahoo.com www.maramurescounty.ro www.visitmaramures.ro Antrec Maramure[ Baia Mare, Gh {incai Street, No. 46, Tel: ^40 214 118 e-mail: maramures@antrec.ro MTMM - Land of Maramure[ Microregion Association Sighetu-Marma]iei, Libert\]ii Square, No. 21, Tel: ^40 262 312 552 e-mail: contact@mtmm.ro www.mtmm.ro Land of L\pu[ Microregion Association Trgu L\pu[, Eroilor Square, No. 10, Tel: ^40 262 384 438 e-mail: atl@lapus.ro, www.lapus.ro OVR Agro-Tur-Art Vadu Izei Foundation Vadu Izei Main Street, No. 161, Tel: ^40 262 330 171 e-mail: office@ovr.ro ; www.vaduizei.ovr.ro Valea Verde Association Vadu Izei, {ug\u Street, No. 75, Tel: ^40 262 330 602 e-mail: valeaverde_mm@yahoo.com Pro Vi[eu Foundation Vi[eu de Sus, Libert\]ii Street, No. 1, Tel: ^40 262 352 285 e-mail: proviseu@ns.alphanet.ro www.turismviseu.ro Iuga Foundation Baia Mare, Republicii Boulevard, No. 37, Ap. 5 artizanat@rdslink.ro, www.artizanat.org

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EDITED BY:
CHF International Romania Baia Mare, Unirii Bd, No. 16/16, Tel: ^40 362 801 094 www.chf.ro

TEXT MADE WITH THE SUPPORT OF:

CDIMM Foundation Baia Mare, Traian Bd, No. 9/16 Tel: ^40 262 224 870; ^40 262 222 409 www.cdimm.org Maramure[ County Direction for Culture, Cults and National Cultural Heritage Gheorghe {incai Street, No. 46, Tel: ^40 262 2212042 www.maramures.djc.ro Mihai D\ncu[ Director of Maramure[ Museum, Sighetu-Marma]iei

GRAPHIC DESIGN:
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This brochure is financed by United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through the tourism component of the Enterprise Development and Strengthening program.