Ciurila between a lake district and Transylvanian cultural heritage

Ciurila combines a cascade of three lakes with protected nature and Transylvanian cultural heritage. The Ciurila lake complex lies in the Hășdate Valley and comprises Filea (Ciurila I), Șutu (Ciurila II) and Pădureni (Ciurila III). The three bodies of water are arranged in tiers and shape the landscape around the municipality.

Nature and water

The lake complex includes a fish-farming facility covering an area of 42 hectares. It extends over 2.5 kilometres and has a water volume of 1.413 million cubic metres. Thus, alongside the individual lakes, the dimensions and technical use of the waterscape also contribute to Ciurila’s landscape.

Another natural area is the Pârâul Dumbrava Nature Reserve. Covering 0.5 hectares, it consists of a natural meadow in the floodplain of the Dumbrava Filei stream. The legally protected orchid Papucul Doamnei (Cypripedium calceolus) grows there. The floodplain meadow and the orchid habitat complement the lake complex with a smaller, especially protected habitat.

Culture and rural heritage

Ciurila is home to a wooden church dedicated to “Intrarea în biserică a Maicii Domnului”. The church is dated to 1755. The municipality’s rural cultural heritage also includes old houses built in the traditional Transylvanian style, as well as simple, carved or painted wooden furniture.

A characteristic furnishing element is the wooden pole known as the “Culmea”. It is located above the bed or around the stove. Originally, it was used to dry or hang clothes; today, it serves a decorative function. In some places, the Culmea has survived to this day. A date such as 1755 places a building in its historical context, while the Culmea’s present-day decorative function describes a later use within the home. Thus, alongside the historic wooden church, traditional details from rural everyday life also represent Ciurila’s culture.

Destinations in the surrounding area

The churches Biserica Pruniş and Biserica Sălişte, as well as the Vârful Peana peak, are located in the immediate vicinity of Ciurila. The surrounding area also includes the Vârful Ţâcluiul peak, the Mânăstirea Floreşti and Mânăstirea Feleacu monasteries, and the Dealul Melinilor and Dealul Sălaşului hills.

Getting around and the wider area

Metro line M16 runs between Str. Posada and Ciurila. Route 28MN12 runs along the edge of Ciurila and follows the Pârâul Dumbrava 50 metres upstream. In the village of Sălicea, visitors can pet, photograph and feed animals at the Moara de Vânt ZooParc. For routes along a trail, visits to the ZooParc and church tours, current opening hours, event dates, route conditions or timetables can be checked before travelling. For a visit to the zoo, current opening hours and event dates can be checked in advance; for a route, route conditions and timetables are part of the preparation.

Other places in the destination area

Other places in the destination area include Gherla, Sic, Cluj-Napoca, Valea Drăganului, Săvădisla, Satu Lung, Bica and Frata.

To the higher-level travel overview: Cluj-Napoca.