Negreni on the Crișul Repede between three mountain ranges

Landscape

Negreni lies on the right bank of the Crișul Repede River. The commune lies between the Vlădeasa Mountains south of the Crișul Repede Valley and the Plopiș and Meseș Mountains north of the same valley. The riverbank, valley and the three mountain ranges mentioned above shape the commune’s geographical setting.

The Defileul Crișului Repede gorge is of botanical, zoological and geological significance. Before setting out into a natural area, current trail conditions should be checked.

Other places include Sic, Jucu de Sus, Margau, Turda, Smida, Beliş, Băișoara and Floreşti.

History and culture

Cetatea Prilogului is an archaeological and historical site where Bronze Age finds have been discovered. In Negreni, the Church of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel was built between 1846 and 1856. It has a clock donated by Metropolitan Andrei Șaguna. The church building and the donated clock combine architectural history with a specific detail of the furnishings.

The Vulturul Brâncovenesc monument in Bucea commemorates those who fell in both world wars, as well as people who died in Romania’s communist prisons. The historical points of reference range from Bronze Age finds and a 19th-century church building to the memory of those who died in war and in prison.

Markets and customs

The annual autumn market in Negreni, also called Târgul de la Fechetău, takes place as a multi-day event. Târgul de la Fechetău offers antiques, works of art and furniture. It also offers clothing, shoes and household goods, as well as fruit and vegetables directly from producers. The market’s offerings therefore range from historical objects and furnishings to everyday necessities and fresh produce. For multi-day events, current event dates and times should be checked before travelling.

Târgul de vară de la Negreni takes place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the second week of June. Târgul Coaselor marks the beginning of the mowing season. The three market names refer to different dates and occasions throughout the year.

The Christmas custom of Colindatul continues to be practised in the commune of Negreni: children aged 9 to 16 go around with the star, while young men aged 17 to 22 perform the Corinda. The custom distinguishes between the children going around with the star and the young men’s performance.

Hiking

Dealul Paltiniș offers an opportunity for hiking. Măgura-Piatra Craiului also offers an opportunity for hiking. Dealul Paltiniș and Măgura-Piatra Craiului each offer an opportunity for hiking; checking current trail conditions is part of preparing for a day of hiking.

The Moara Hucului in Prelucele was built in 1940 and is now a recreational area.

Getting there

The main transport links of the commune of Negreni are the DN 1/E60 national road and the railway line between Oradea, Cluj-Napoca, Bucharest and Constanța. Rail access to Negreni is via Negreni halt. Those travelling by train should check the current timetables before setting out.

For the broader travel overview: Cluj-Napoca.