Leşu: Churches, Folklore and Mountain Trails

The present-day Orthodox church of the Leșu I parish was built between 1851 and 1854. It has stone walls, a wooden ceiling, and a wooden tower. An earlier church had already been built in 1632 by villagers at the former settlement site of Fata din Jos. Thus, Leșu’s ecclesiastical architectural history spans several centuries and encompasses both the former settlement site and the present-day religious building.

Construction of the Orthodox church of the Leșu II parish in Gura Ierboșelei began in 1994. The building follows the Byzantine style and has the shape of a cross. The iconostasis and furnishings are made of beech wood. The local craftsman Ion Bîgiu a lui Emil carved these parts. Leșu is also considered a center for traditional embroidery.

The two churches therefore differ visibly in their architectural features: stone walls, a wooden ceiling, and a wooden tower characterize the Leșu I parish, while the Leșu II parish focuses on the cross shape, Byzantine style, and beech-wood furnishings. Churches may have different opening hours; current times can be checked before a visit.

Local legends and traditions are considered to have been passed down through generations. The interregional folklore festival “Rapsodia trișcașilor” was founded in 1968. The national festival “Rapsodia Trișcarilor” took place in Leșu on August 15 and 16. The program included a performance by the folklore ensemble “Rapsodia Trișcașilor”; ensembles from Bulgaria and Serbia were also invited.

The cultural center is also connected to the area’s musical history. In 1954, its choir won first prize in the national ranking and the title of laureate at the third national competition for amateur art groups. When attending festivals, current event dates and start times should be checked, as the dates and times determine when to visit.

The commune of Leșu is located in the eastern part of Bistrița-Năsăud County, on the valley of the same name. This valley is a left-bank tributary of the Ilva Valley, which flows into the Someșul Mare. Leșu’s tourist destinations include the Bârgău Mountains and Valea Măgurii.

In the surroundings of Leșu, hiking on mountain trails is considered one way to discover the region’s biodiversity. The Lala forest road is 8.8 kilometers long; all 8.8 kilometers of it lie within the park. The Leșu Town Hall owns the road. Before driving or hiking on a forest road, current route conditions should be checked. For hikes on mountain trails, suitable route conditions and allowing the necessary time are also part of the usual preparation.

Public transport to Leșu is considered limited. Traveling by private car is recommended. Public transportation may operate according to a timetable; current connections should therefore be checked before departure.

To the main travel overview: Lesu.