Măguri - Răcătău Commune: Nature, Culture and Routes in the Mountains
Măguri - Răcătău Commune combines high-altitude mountain areas with protected landscapes, traditional crafts, historic sites and routes.
The year-round inhabited village of Măguri in Măguri-Răcătău Commune lies at an altitude of 1,250 to 1,400 metres.
What natural areas and scenic points are there?
Turbăria de la Căpățâna is a botanically significant nature reserve of national importance and has been protected since 1969. It is located on the main ridge of the Gilău-Muntele-Mare Massif at an altitude of 1,600 metres.
Cheile Dumitresei are of landscape value at the level of Cluj County. The Țâcla Gabrii rock offers views of the villages of Măguri and Mărișel.
The 514-hectare zoological nature reserve Împărăția lui Zamolxe is home to, among others, lynxes, wolves, roe deer, otters and capercaillies.
What routes and trails are there?
The Măguri-Răcătău–Vârful Dumitreasa–La Potcoavă hiking trail can be reached by car as far as Șaua Dobrin.
The Valea Ierii–Dobrin–Măguri-Răcătău route is suitable for four-wheel-drive off-road vehicles, quad bikes and bicycles. It is 28 kilometres long and takes approximately one and a half hours without stops.
What cultural sites and crafts are there?
The „Căsuța Bunicii“ Museum displays authentic plates, cloths, headscarves, traditional costumes, woven bags and traditional weaving tools.
Simion Drînda from Măguri practised blacksmithing throughout his life and opened his own forge in 1975. In 2023, he was declared a „Living Human Treasure“ by the Romanian Ministry of Culture.
Badea Simion works entirely by hand in his forge, using old tools and no electric tools.
After the 1944 battles, 26 fallen soldiers, including nine unknown soldiers, were initially buried in the cemetery of Mănăstirea Muntele Rece.
Which date is relevant for planning?
An annual traditional gathering takes place on Muntele Dobrin in Măguri-Răcătău Commune around the feast of Saints Peter and Paul.
Which accommodation location suits which travel plan?
When planning your accommodation, you can use the locations relevant to your trip as a guide: nature reserves and high-altitude areas, the „Căsuța Bunicii“ Museum, blacksmithing or the cemetery of Mănăstirea Muntele Rece.
For further regional orientation, you can also include Măguri-Răcătău, Baciu, Iara, Sancraiu, Rasca, Gârbău Commune, Mărgău Commune and Fizeșu Gherlii Commune in your travel comparisons.
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Where are the objects from the „Căsuța Bunicii“ Museum located?
The objects from the „Căsuța Bunicii“ Museum were moved from the difficult-to-access original location to a space in the centre of the village of Răcătău in Măguri-Răcătău Commune.
What happened at the cemetery of Mănăstirea Muntele Rece?
What is known about the gathering on Muntele Dobrin in 2023?
At the gathering on 29 June 2023, the programme began with a liturgy in the wooden church. This was followed by a folk concert.
Who is associated with the title „Living Human Treasure“?
Iosif Bordea from Muntele Rece bears the designation „Charcoal burner“ and the title „Living Human Treasure“.
To the broader travel overview: Cluj-Napoca.
