Discover Corund: Ceramics, Church and Mineral Springs

Ceramics from Corund are characteristic of the village of Corund in Harghita County. The ceramic vessels are painted by folk artisans with floral and stylized zoomorphic motifs. The ceramics are produced in white, brown, cobalt blue and multicolored versions. During production, the clay is shaped on a potter’s wheel. After drying for several days, it is fired. Thus, the traditional process includes both shaping and the time-consuming preparation before firing. The potters’ houses and workshops are located along Corund’s main street.

Culture

The pottery tradition in Corund is considered a craft tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. The first pottery workshops in Corund date from the beginning of the 15th century. The local craft traditions also include the processing of Iască, which is known as a traditional craft. Iască is used to make both practical and decorative objects. Corund therefore preserves both ceramic works and objects made from another traditional material.

The Unitarian Church of Corund was rebuilt between 1720 and 1750. The church houses an organ dating from 1822. The cemetery contains carved wooden grave markers known as kopjafa. Their motifs indicate whether a man, woman or child is buried at the foot of the respective grave marker. The church stands east of the main road on a small hill within a fortified stone wall.

Experiences

A workshop producing hand-painted ceramics can be visited by appointment arranged by telephone or email. The “Promenada din Corund” program includes transport by horse-drawn carriage, four presentations and a guided tour. It takes visitors to pottery, Iască-processing and weaving workshops, as well as to a beekeeper, where hive products can be sampled. The stops thus bring together several crafts found in Corund and showcase not only ceramics but also Iască processing, weaving and beekeeping. A reservation at least one day in advance is required for the “Promenada din Corund” tour.

Other places

Other places in the same wider area include Sâncrăieni, Siculeni, Dittersdorf, Ciceu, Senetea, Voşlăbeni, Valea Rece and Izvoare.

Nature

The Dealul Melcului Geological Reserve covers 8 hectares. It has been under national protection since 1980. East of the aragonite mine are the “Cseredombi” and “Erzsébet” springs. They are located 800 meters from the national road and supply salty, iron-rich water. The “Diómáli” mineral spring lies at the eastern exit of Corund, next to Road 13A. Thus, the area described includes both the protected Geological Reserve and several mineral springs in different locations with different characteristics.

The Aragonite Museum is open from May 1 to November 1. During the winter season, it is closed from November 1, 2025, to May 1, 2026. During this winter season, the museum can only be visited by appointment. When planning a museum visit, both the regular opening period and the separate winter-season arrangement must therefore be taken into account.

For the wider travel overview: Harghita.