Discover Strâmtura: Wooden Churches, the Iza and Hiking Trails

The wooden church of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Strâmtura was brought here from Rozavlea Monastery in 1667. When comparing hotels in Strâmtura, the travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions on the respective offer page may be the most important points of comparison. You can also note your preferred length of stay before comparing offers with different periods and price details. For several travel periods, you can compare the same three details side by side in each case.

Culture

The original entrance portal of the wooden church of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel is still located in the western wall, which became an interior wall after the extension to the west. The wooden church is dated to 1771; the dendrochronological datings of the beams are 1771–1772 and 1654–1655.

The wooden church of Saint Nicholas in Glod features dominant Moldavian architectural influences as well as large, high-set windows with whitewashed surrounds. An inscription records that the altar painting and the icons in this wooden church were created in 1829.

Schitul Strâmtura is dedicated to the Pious Parascheva. A golden bucium represents Strâmtura’s connection with the last bucium players in Maramureş.

Geographical Setting

Below Strâmtura, the Iza River narrows between Piatra Țiganului and Prisaca. After narrowing below Strâmtura, the Iza flows through the Surduc Gorge.

In the area of Strâmtura commune, medium-sized and high hills rise on both sides of the Iza, with elevations between 400 and 1,000 metres. In the area of Strâmtura commune near Glod, there is a mineral spring area with sulphurous, saline and carbonated springs, as well as a sulphurous-carbonated Borcut with extensive travertine deposits.

History and Everyday Life

On 2 September 1717, locals ambushed the Tatar invaders at Piatra Țiganului, between Strâmtura and Bârsana. A weekly market is held at Podul Slătioarei between Strâmtura and Bârsana.

Strâmtura’s community days feature traditional music and dancing, a traditional costume show and local dishes. For planning purposes, you can consider culture, the landscape, local events and hiking as separate focuses.

Trails

A hike from Glod to Biserica Dracilor and up to the summit of Măgura Glodului covers approximately 10 km and takes 4–5 hours. Schitul Cuvioasa Parascheva is located in the Valea Greblei valley, 5 km from national road DN 18.

The details can be clearly separated for day planning: the hike from Glod to Biserica Dracilor and onward to Măgura Glodului, covering approximately 10 km and taking 4–5 hours, is a separate, longer focus. The churches, the schitul and the bucium represent local history and religious tradition; the Iza, Surduc, hills and mineral springs describe the landscape. The market and community days are time-bound additions.

More destinations

Remeţi, Săpânța, Recea, Săliștea de Sus, Săcel, Poienile Izei, Moisei, Satu Nou de Jos

To the higher-level travel overview: MaramureÅŸ.