Şoimi: Nature, Churches and Cultural History

The commune of Șoimi lies on the border between the Codru-Moma Mountains and the Câmpia Crișurilor. This location combines different landscape areas within a clearly defined commune territory. At Dealul Pacău in Borz, the commune contains a nature reserve with Banat peonies.

Rare occurrences of the fish species Sabanejewia aurata have been identified in the downstream section of the ROSCI0061 protected area near Șoimi. Recreational fishing is designated in the commune of Șoimi along the banks of the Crișul Negru. For such an activity, travel preparations should take into account the riverside location and the equipment required for it. Before recreational fishing, the current equipment requirements and the conditions on the planned date can be checked.

Several named elevated landforms characterize the area around Șoimi. Vârful Dumbrăviţei, Vârful Borzului and Zbârcioaia are peaks in the vicinity of Șoimi. Urmezeu is a mountain near Șoimi.

In the village of Șoimi, the ruins of the monastic ensemble, designated as an archaeological relic, are located on Dealul Cristor. The ensemble is dated to the period 1327–1424. Another historical landmark is the wooden church of “Sfinții Arhangheli Mihail și Gavriil” in Șoimi. It was built around 1790 using the “în căței” technique typical of Crișana and is a valuable historical monument.

The surrounding area of Șoimi is also home to several churches: Biserica Nouă Borz, Biserica Veche Borz and Biserica Forău. They are joined by Biserica Reformată Uileacu de Beiuş, which is classified as a Reformed church. The area’s oldest watermills include mills in Șoimi. For those interested in culture, the range of the evidence mentioned therefore extends from a monastic ensemble and a historic wooden church to churches in surrounding villages and mills. If a visit to historic mills is planned, current opening hours can be checked in advance.

“Zilele comunei Șoimi” is an annual local cultural event that is usually organized in May. Before travelling, the current event dates can be checked, as the date is important for planning a visit. The reference to May indicates the usual period, not necessarily a fixed event day. For an event, it is advisable to check the current date and scheduled times before travelling. The usual May period and the specific event day serve different purposes in travel planning. Together with the designated recreational fishing along the banks of the Crișul Negru, the event is one of the explicitly mentioned forms of local life.

Other places: Oșorhei, Băile 1 Mai, Ștei, Băile Felix, Stâna de Vale, Călățea, Padiş, Sat Nojorid

For the broader travel overview: Bihor.