Hârtoape – Archaeology, Churches and Traditions

At the northwestern edge of Hârtoape lies the Poeniţa-Moară archaeological area, in the area of the former settlement of Poieniţa. The area comprises a medieval settlement from the 15th century and a settlement from the Late Bronze Age associated with the Noua culture.

Geographical setting

Poieniţa lies southwest of Hârtoape on the left bank of the Siret and is now part of Hârtoape. The former settlement was also known as Ţintirimul; the name referred to numerous human bone fragments that were found in the lower part of the settlement and continue to be found there. In 1834, Poieniţa was both an estate in the Suceava region, in Ocolul Siretului, and a hamlet of the village of Hârtoapele. Apparently, the former settlement was laid out according to a topographical plan prepared by Spiru Haret. There, broad parallel streets intersect with streets running at right angles; the layout is easy to navigate.

Churches

In Hârtoape, the Church of Sfântul Mare Mucenic Dimitrie was built in 1881 under the care of the priest Sava Dăscălescu. In 1959, it received Byzantine-style oil paintings by the painter Ioan Zmeu from Roman. After repairs, consolidation work and the restoration of its paintings, it was reconsecrated on 10 September 2000. The Poieniţa Church, dedicated to the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel, was built intermittently between 1966 and 1978 on the site of a former bell tower.

Culture

At the Șezătoare in Poieniţa, Paparuda was performed, an old game for invoking rain. The villagers were also reintroduced to traditional dress there. Traditional songs, religious singing, sayings, poems and old cries were performed.

The historical evidence in Poieniţa thus covers two distinctly different periods: the Late Bronze Age with the Noua culture and the 15th century. In Hârtoape and Poieniţa, they are complemented by churches from more recent centuries. The Șezătoare also preserved forms of play, clothing, singing and spoken performance.

For accommodation in Hârtoape, you can compare travel dates, room categories and cancellation policies. When making your choice, these details can be weighted according to the planned period, the preferred room type and your personal need for flexibility. During a stay in Hârtoape, these three details can be weighted differently: Depending on your personal plans, the travel period, room type and desired flexibility regarding cancellation may give the accommodation different priorities.

Other direct destinations for orientation are Roşcani, Pașcani, Buhalnița, Muncelu de Sus, Hândrești, Iaşi, Deleni and Valea Lupului.

Surroundings

In the wider regional surroundings of Hârtoape lies Gura Holmului, an ancient site. Biserica Cârjoaia, Biserica Băiceni and Biserica Horodiştea are located nearby; all three are churches. Also nearby are Punctul Fosilifer Băiceni, a park, and the hills Dealul Tinos, Dealul Cătălina and Dealul lui Viteazu.

For the higher-level travel overview: Iasi.