Discover Almașu Mic: Culture and Landscape in Bihor

The folklore ensemble “Fii satului” comes from Almașu Mic. At the “Muguri de dor” International Folklore Festival in Poieni, the ensemble received first and third prize. Within the traditional culture of Bihor County, Almașu Mic is assigned to the Valea Barcăului ethnographic subzone.

Almașu Mic is home to an Orthodox church. It is dated to 1954. An exhibition at the Muzeul orașului Oradea – Complex cultural included more than 80 silver coins from the 13th century. Other objects included pieces of jewelry, metal objects, and ceramics. These items were discovered in Almașu Mic in summer 2018.

Culture and History

The local folklore is associated with a specific ensemble and a named festival. “Fii satului” performed at the “Muguri de dor” International Folklore Festival in Poieni and received two awards there: first and third prize. The connection with the Valea Barcăului ethnographic subzone is also part of the traditional culture of Bihor County.

The church can also be precisely dated. Its Orthodox denomination and its dating to 1954 are two separate characteristics of the building. The find history from summer 2018 adds archaeological objects to this local context: silver coins, jewelry, metal objects, and ceramics were discovered in Almașu Mic. More than 80 silver coins from the 13th century later became part of an exhibition at the Muzeul orașului Oradea – Complex cultural.

Landscape

Almașu Mic lies in the Valea Almașului valley. Valea Almașului is a left-bank tributary of the Barcău. About one kilometer south of the village, the Pădurea Ţâclu covers a hill spur. The hill spur covered by Pădurea Ţâclu dominates the valley.

The location in the valley and the wooded elevation to the south describe two different landscape forms within the local surroundings. The hill spur of Pădurea Ţâclu lies about one kilometer south of Almașu Mic and shapes the view over the valley there. The watercourse itself is further defined by its relationship with the Barcău: Valea Almașului flows into its river system as a left-bank tributary.

The earthwork fortification of Almașu Mic is located on a hill. This hill is wooded and difficult to access. Its location therefore differs from the described valley and river landscape; the fortification is situated on a wooded elevation.

Transport

A local road branches off before Chioag. It leads to Almașu Mic. Route 31 is part of public passenger transport in Bihor County. It runs between Almașu Mic, Săldăbagiu de Barcău, and Marghita.

Both the local road before Chioag and Route 31 are mentioned in connection with local transport links. The road connects Chioag with Almașu Mic. Public passenger transport on Route 31 connects Almașu Mic with Săldăbagiu de Barcău and Marghita, placing the village within Bihor County’s transport network.

Other Places

Other places: Băile 1 Mai, Sâmbăta, Chișcău, Călățea, Biharia, Stâna de Vale, Nucet, and Salonta.

For the broader travel overview: Bihor.