Discover Alt-Petschka: Nature, Cycle Path and Culture

Nature and River Landscape

In the area of Pecica, the Mureș River forms broad meanders and oxbow lakes. These oxbow lakes provide valuable habitats for the region’s flora and fauna. The protected natural landscape “Lunca Mureșului” near Pecica includes Mureș oxbow lakes, riparian vegetation and a diverse bird population, and is suitable for fishing and birdwatching.

The landscape therefore combines bodies of water, riverbanks and riparian vegetation within a protected natural area. The bird population is one of the defining features of “Lunca Mureșului”, while fishing and birdwatching are mentioned there as possible activities in the natural area.

Cycle Path and Floodplains

The “Arad-Pecica” cycle path runs through forest. It follows the Mureș riverbank through floodplain habitats, where mammals or birds can often be observed. In Pecica, the cycle path ends at the buffalo farm. Along the cycle path, there are information boards about the protected area as well as rest and recreation areas.

The route therefore includes both wooded sections and the riverbank and floodplain habitats. The information boards are associated with the protected area; the rest and recreation areas are arranged along the cycle path. In this way, the route connects the landscape along the Mureș with a named destination in Pecica.

Culture and History

The “Dealul Vechi” archaeological site, also known as “Movila dacică de la Pecica” or “Șanțul Mare”, contains traces of Neolithic cultures, the Free Dacians and the first centuries of the Middle Ages. In the centre of Pecica stands the Biserica Romano-Catolică “Duminica Sfintei Treimi”. The church was built in the late 19th century in the Baroque style. It contains a painting by Rezso Gyongyossy.

The three names Dealul Vechi, Movila dacică de la Pecica and Șanțul Mare refer to the same archaeological site. Its traces range from Neolithic cultures through the Free Dacians to the first centuries of the Middle Ages. In the centre, the Biserica Romano-Catolică “Duminica Sfintei Treimi” is another named cultural site; the church’s furnishings include the painting by Rezso Gyongyossy.

In the vicinity of Pecica is the Biserica Catolică Satu Mare church. In the vicinity of Pecica is the Biserica Ortodoxă Satu Mare Orthodox church. In the vicinity of Pecica is the Biserica Mailat church. In the vicinity of Pecica is the Fântâna de la Crucea Verde spring. In the vicinity of Pecica is Szionda-halom hill.

In the wider regional surroundings of Pecica is the Biserica Romano-Catolică Sânpetru Mic church. In the wider regional surroundings of Pecica is the Fântâna lui Popa spring. In the wider regional surroundings of Pecica is Dealul Flămânzi hill.

Other places within the same overarching destination are Galșa, Șagu, Buteni, Ghioroc, Lipova, Fântânele, Curtici and Vinga.

Buffalo Farm and Nature Park

The buffalo farm in Pecica was inaugurated as a tourist attraction on 12 May 2012 near the centre of Pecica and in the surroundings of the “Lunca Mureșului” nature park. In Pecica, it was proposed that a buffalo population be reintroduced. Their grazing is intended to promote the original flora in the “Lunca Mureșului” nature park and eliminate non-native vegetation.

The buffalo farm is therefore listed both as a destination at the end of the “Arad-Pecica” cycle path and because of its location in the surroundings of the nature park. The proposal to reintroduce a buffalo population is associated with grazing intended to promote the original flora and eliminate non-native vegetation.

For the overarching travel overview: Arad.