Zagra: Roman watchtowers, Lacul Zagra and the Țibleș Mountains

About 800 metres southeast of Zagra, the Roman watchtower “Turnul de epocă romană de la Zagra – Dealul Lupului” stands in the forest on Măgura Lupului. It is located on the western bank of the Valea Lupului stream.

Culture

The Roman watchtower near Zagra at Vârful Zgăului occupied a dominant position. From there, it offered an excellent view of the Țibleș Valley and northwards almost as far as the foothills of the Țibleș Mountains.

Near Zagra, the Roman watchtower at Perișor stands at the highest point of the Vârful Colnicului plateau. From there, the excellent view extends eastwards across the Țibleș Valley.

The “Biserica de pe Pod” was originally built in Perișor. In 1936, it was moved to Zagra and rebuilt there.

The wooden church “Cuvioasa Paraschiva” has a pentagonal polygonal narthex and a pentagonal polygonal apse. Its tower cap is octagonal; preserved but damaged paintings can be found in the narthex and the nave.

Zagra was formerly known for the elaborate processing of Cergi and Pănuri.

Local customs include singing Christmas and New Year songs. The traditional forms “Cununa grîului” and “Sâmbra oilor” are part of the folklore heritage of the Valea Zăgrii.

A “Hora țărănească” is listed for July in Zagra.

Nature

In the regional surroundings of Zagra, the Țibleș Mountains, with the peaks Țibleș, Bran and Arcer, form part of the landscape. At 1,839 metres, Țibleș is the highest peak.

The ridges of the Țibleș Mountains are largely covered with beech and coniferous forests; alpine pastures extend above them.

Lacul Zagra is a natural reservoir. It formed after a landslide displaced sedimentary rocks on the southern slope of Dealul Comoara and blocked springs in the area. Dealul Comoara lies east of the municipality of Zagra.

Near Zagra lies Lacul Zagra, which is also called “Tăul lui Alac”. The botanical nature reserve is located about 500 metres from the village.

The European pond turtle and the European stripe-necked terrapin are found in Lacul Zagra. Both species are considered legally protected.

A footpath to Lacul Zagra branches off from the last bend in the road before the entrance to Zagra.

Routes

Access to the Țibleș Mountains from Mocod leads along the county road through Zagra, Poienile Zagrei and Suplai.

A mountain route to Suplai and into the Țibleș Mountains leads via Mocod and Zagra and continues along gravel and forest roads.

Those considering Zagra more closely as a travel destination can look for a holiday apartment for their stay; personal planning remains open and can be arranged according to the travellers’ own pace and interests, depending on their needs on site.

Other places

You can find more places to explore here: Ragla, Telciu, Bistriţa, Sângeorz-Băi, Poiana Ilvei, Năsăud, Bretea, Şieu-Măgheruş.

To the higher-level travel overview: Bistrita-Nasaud.