Maramureş

The Maramures area (northern Romania) is equally fascinating, due to its natural beauty, rich folklore, traditions and the hospitality of its inhabitants.

Along the centuries, the forests of Maramures have provided the locals with wood, the raw material that has made possible the emergence and development of a real “wood civilisation”. The wooden churches in Maramures are the stunning evidence of this civilisation, while the grand Maramures style wooden carved gates are genuine masterpieces of folk art.

Besides woodcarving, which has been embedded itself into every day life, during the winter season, every household is transformed into a miniature weaving mill. Everything is home made, from festive attire to rugs, such as the traditional black and red striped woollen blankets called cerga.

A special attraction is the so-called “Merry Cemetery” in Sapinta, with crosses featuring humorous characterisations of the person buried there.