Operating days: daily
Itinerary: Cluj – Baia Mare – Surdesti – Gutin Pass- Sighetu Marmatiei – Sapanta – Cluj
Day Itinerary
Starting Point: Cluj
08:00 from KFC, Piata Unirii
This day trip takes you through the heart of Maramureș, one of Romania’s most traditional and culturally vibrant regions, where woodcarving and woodworking have been passed down for generations
- Baia Mare – Explore the capital of Maramureș: a city with a rich mining historylocated in the northern part of Romania, offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Main Attraction:
• Old Town (Centru Vechi):
• The Baia Mare Art Museum
• The Maramureș Village Museum
- Wooden Church of Șurdești: Our first major stop a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This beautiful wooden church is known for its striking tower, which once stood as the tallest in Maramureș, and its stunning interior, which remains active with local community worship.
Main Attraction:
• Tall Wooden Tower – Standing at 54 metres (177 feet), the church's spire makes it one of the highest wooden structures in Europe.
• Traditional Maramureș Architecture – Built in 1766, the church is a fine example of Maramureș wooden church design, with hand-carved decorations and intricate wooden joinery.
• Interior Murals – The interior features well-preserved 18th-century frescoes, depicting biblical scenes in vibrant colours.
• Historic Wooden Craftsmanship
• Religious and Cultural Significance
Located in Maramureș County, the Wooden Church of Șurdești is a must-visit for those interested in Romanian history, traditional craftsmanship, and UNESCO heritage sites
- Sighetu Marmației: we cross the scenic Gutin Pass and arrive at Sighetu Marmației, a town with a deep historical significance
The main attraction of Sighetu Marmației, a historic town in Maramureș, Romania, is the Memorial to the Victims of Communism and to the Resistance. Sighet Prison Memorial, a sobering museum housed in a former prison that was used to detain political prisoners during the communist regime. It offers a powerful look at the country’s history of resistance
- Merry Cemetery of Săpânța: is one of the most unique cemeteries in the world. Instead of traditional sombre graves, this cemetery is famous for its colourful wooden crosses with humorous or poetic epitaphs, often accompanied by folk-style paintings depicting scenes from the deceased’s life.
Main Attraction:
• Colourful Wooden Crosses :Each grave features a brightly painted wooden cross, typically in blue, red, green, and yellow, symbolising life, nature, and spirituality.
• Humorous & Satirical Epitaphs
• The Founder’s Grave: Stan Ioan Pătraș
• Folk Art & Traditions
- Retun to Cluj: After exploring these incredible sights, we return to Cluj-Napoca, with the option to visit the Wooden Church of Bogdan Vodă if time permits.