Discover Sînmartin: History, Thermal Waters and Cycle Paths

Sânmartin has appeared in written records since the end of the 13th century and is associated with the long-standing use of its thermal waters. Archaeological evidence in the area ranges from the Neolithic through the Bronze Age and the Early Hallstatt period to the pre-Roman period of the free Dacians, the Roman period, the Ostrogothic period and the period of the Slavic tribes.

History

Near Sânmartin–Dealul Corhan, there is a Bronze Age settlement 500 metres south of the village boundary. At the northern edge of Sânmartin, near the former CAP building complex, a Bronze Age settlement is located on the second terrace of the Crișul Repede, on the left bank of the Peța stream, in a floodplain landscape. A mill fed by the Peța stream is documented in Sânmartin for the year 1228.

The castle of the former Premonstratensian monastery complex is located at Bd. Felix 106 in Sânmartin. The castle is dated to 1784.

Landscape

The municipality of Sânmartin is located in the northwest of the Miersig Depression, which is part of the Criș Plain. It lies in the contact zone with the westernmost foothills descending from the Pădurea-Craiului Mountains.

Large parts of the area surrounding the municipality of Sânmartin are covered by protective oak forests that clothe the slopes of the surrounding hills. Near Băile Felix, the Betfia Sinkhole is an 86-metre-deep limestone cave. The cave was formed through successive collapses and is home to a colony of bats.

Experiences

Băile Felix has a thermal water complex with ten indoor and outdoor pools. The complex also includes a wave pool, two children’s pools and five slides.

Horseback riding is available in the natural surroundings of Băile Felix. Carriage or wagon rides can also be arranged there on request. Felix Forest near Băile Felix has paths for walking and hiking as well as a jogging track.

The wooden church of Brusturi stands in Băile Felix. An inscription on the upper portal dates its construction to May 1785.

Cycling

A cycle path runs along Centura Sânmartin, connecting Oradea with Băile Felix. A tourism infrastructure project in the municipality of Sânmartin provides for a 1,328-metre-long cycle path. The project also provides for a 1,658-metre-long promenade.

More Local Pages

Băile Felix, Gepiu, Oșorhei, Pietroasa, Almașu Mic, Biharia, Oradea, Şoimi

Getting There

The municipality of Sânmartin can be reached via European route E79 and DN76. DN76 connects Oradea with Deva. Secondary roads lead from Sânmartin to Haieu and Betfia. Secondary roads lead from Băile 1 Mai to Băile Felix. Secondary roads also lead from Sânmartin to Cihei and Cordău.

The municipality of Sânmartin has three railway stops: Rontău Haltă, Băile Felix Haltă de călători and Cordău Haltă de călători. They are located on single-track, non-electrified railway line 314. Line 314 connects Sânmartin with Oradea, Holod, Beiuș and Vașcău.

To the main travel overview: Bihor.