Săcel between nature and traditional craftsmanship

Săcel brings together two distinct themes: the 100-hectare “Peștera și Izbucul Izvorul Albastru al Izei” nature reserve and pottery, the oldest craft preserved through tradition in Săcel. Names, materials and traditional techniques give the place a clearly recognizable cultural and natural profile.

Nature

The “Peștera și Izbucul Izvorul Albastru al Izei” nature reserve is located in Săcel. Izvorul Albastru al Izei, also called Izbucul Izei, is the resurgence of water that seeps underground in Peștera Izei. The name of the natural area thus combines the cave and the water resurgence in a single designation.

Geographical context

Within the territory of Săcel commune, the DN17C national road runs for 12.9 km and the DJ186 county road for 3.8 km; the different lengths can be read as separate reference values. The Săcel–Valea Baicu–Săcel route starts in Săcel and initially follows the DNJ17C road to Pasul Șetref. It offers panoramic views of the Rodna Ridge and the “pyramids” of Țibleș, including Arcer, Țibleș and Bran. The different distance figures and the named route make it possible to make an objective comparison between the commune’s territory and the route.

Culture

The pottery workshop, a rural homestead in Săcel, dates from the late 19th century, more precisely from 1890–1900. It comprises a dwelling house, a barn, a shelter for the kiln and a well. With the exception of the well, the homestead consists of round fir logs laid in horizontal courses. The Săcel pottery centre processes red clay extracted from great depths using old techniques. After drying, the pottery vessels are polished over their entire surface with a flint stone. From 1 to 2 June 2025, guided pottery workshops led by Tănase Burnar took place in Săcel as part of the national “România Atractivă” project.

Săcel is home to master craftsman Vasile Șușca’s folk mask workshop. Around the year 2000, Vasile Șușca revived the traditional craft of making folk masks in Săcel. Vasile Șușca’s masks are made from goat, sheep or lamb skins, wool and furs; the raw materials come entirely from the village of Săcel. Traditional masks for winter customs are made in Săcel. In 2022, Vasile Șușca received the title “Tezaur Uman Viu”.

In addition to a watermill, the Dănilă Mecleș complex includes a water-powered fulling mill and a wool carding machine; all the mechanisms are driven by the power of the Iza. The Dănilă Mecleș mill complex is located along the road in Săcel near the lower church.

When comparing hotels in Săcel, you can review travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions as separate offer fields. Craftsmanship, nature and the route can each be considered independently when planning your trip.

More location pages

More location pages: Vișeu De Sus, Cavnic, Staţiunea Borşa, Borşa, Recea, Remeţi, Giulești, Săpânța

For the overarching travel overview: Maramureş.