Poiana Mărului: Trails, Church and Traditional Village Customs

Poiana Mărului lies in the basin of the headwaters of the Șinca stream, on the border with the upper basin of Țara Bârsei. The village can be viewed from several different perspectives through its trails, church ensemble, annual celebrations and traditional dishes.

Geographical setting

Terra Borza Teutonica is the first extension of the main Via Transilvanica route. The route leads from Viscri via Poiana Mărului onwards to Bran. In Brașov County, Via Transilvanica is recognised as a hiking trail of national recreational interest and includes the UAT Poiana Mărului.

Another option is a one-day guided mountain biking and trekking tour from Zărnești. It follows the Zărnești–Bear Sanctuary–Vulcan–Poiana Mărului–Zărnești route; visiting the bear sanctuary is optional. When planning, you can distinguish the route from Viscri via Poiana Mărului to Bran from this one-day guided tour. The railway network can be reached from Poiana Mărului in Zărnești, 5 km away.

Culture

The “Naşterea Sf. Ioan Botezătorul” church in Poiana Mărului is listed as a historic monument dating from 1707 to 1777. A stone cross in the churchyard is recorded as a monument from the year 1700. The “Naşterea Sf. Ioan Botezătorul” church ensemble is dated to the 18th and 19th centuries, while the ensemble’s parish house is recorded as having been built in 1892. The historic church, influenced by the brâncovenesc style, is a tourist attraction in Poiana Mărului.

Social and cultural events include a livestock breeders’ competition. On Christmas Eve, the Ceata vătafilor, led by the senior and junior vătaf, goes carol singing through Poiana Mărului. On Boxing Day, the Ceata vătafilor holds a hora in the village; after the church service, the “scoatul fetelor la joc” also takes place. As part of this Christmas custom, the “Balul Vătafilor” is held in the cultural centre in the evening. Very old Christmas carols handed down by the ancestors are sung in Poiana Mărului.

The local traditional costume of Poiana Mărului combines influences from the Făgăraș area, the Bran region and the Câmpulung Muscel area. Traditional customs and the local costume can be experienced at traditional weddings and during the winter holidays, including Christmas, New Year, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord and the name day of Saint John. On 24 June, the Feast of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist and the village church’s patronal feast, visitors can see the traditional costume worn by local residents in Poiana Mărului.

Cuisine

In Poiana Mărului, a traditional homemade speciality called “zeamă acră” is served. Another traditional dish is a potato and meat stew.

For the higher-level travel overview: Brasov.