Mara in MaramureÈ™: Gorge, Mountain Ridge and Cultural Heritage

Cheile Tătarului is a gorge cut into pyroxene andesite. The western slope is almost vertical and rocky and has an overhang. The eastern slope consists of scree slopes and wooded areas. The two sides of the gorge give it a distinct contrast between rock and scree slopes and woodland.

Creasta Cocoșului has been protected as a 50-hectare nature reserve since 1954. The ridge is around 200 metres long, jagged and situated at an average elevation of 1,200 metres. Mount Gutăiu is located in the immediate vicinity of Mara. The surrounding area also includes the Piatra Negru peak, Mount Silva and the Măgura Mică peak. As natural attractions, the gorge and ridge display different forms: an incision in the rock and a jagged highland formation.

The marked trail from Mara leads to Creasta Cocoșului. At Creasta Cocoșului, flight instructors are available for tandem paragliding flights. The marked Traseul 2 Cruce Albastră trail connects the western edge of Mara with Creasta Cocoșului. It offers views of the Rodna, Țibleș and Maramureș Mountains as well as the Maramureș Depression. Both marked trails connect Mara with the jagged ridge, while Traseul 2 starts at the western edge of the village. For marked trails, it is advisable to check current trail conditions before setting out. For tandem paragliding flights, the flight instructors’ current schedules should be confirmed in advance.

A circular trail from Mara to Piatra Tisei de Mara runs through the Mara Valley and the Mătrăguna Valley. From the centre of Mara, this circular trail can be accessed via the road to the Runcu–Tătaru dam and then through the Mătrăguna Valley. The trail thus connects the starting point in the village centre with a route through two named valleys and the destination of Piatra Tisei de Mara. When taking the circular trail through the Mara Valley and the Mătrăguna Valley, travellers can check the current route conditions before setting out.

At the Maramureș Village Museum in Sighetu Marmației, the agro-pastoral Bohotici household is listed as originating from Mara. The household dates from the 18th century and is dated to the years 1701 to 1800. The household represents a specific example of agro-pastoral history from Mara in Sighetu Marmației.

The Muzeul de Stiintele Naturn Sighetu Maramţiei museum is located in the wider regional surroundings of Mara. The Mânăstirea Budeşti monastery is located in the area around Mara. The open-air Muzeul Satului Baia Mare museum and the Muzeul Judeţean de Artă Maramureş Baia Mare art museum are also located in the wider regional surroundings of Mara. The museums’ current opening hours can be checked before travelling there.

To the higher-level travel overview: Comuna Desești.