Strâmtura: Wooden Church, Iza River and Local Traditions

Strâmtura combines a distinctive wooden church with the course of the Iza River, the hills on both sides of the river and vibrant traditions. The wooden church of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel was brought to Strâmtura from Rozavlea Monastery in 1667.

Other places on the same level are Coruia, Ieud, Suciu de Sus, Moisei, Săcel, Sarasău, Petrova and Mittelstadt.

Culture

The wooden church is dated to 1771. The dendrochronological dates of its beams are 1771–1772 and 1654–1655. The building’s history can also be read from the structure itself: the original entrance portal is still located in the western wall. After the extension to the west, this wall became an interior wall. Current opening hours can be checked before travelling to visit the wooden churches.

In Glod, the wooden Church of Saint Nicholas displays dominant Moldavian architectural influences. Its striking architectural features include large, high-set windows with whitewashed surrounds. An inscription records that the altar painting and the icons were made in 1829. The wooden churches in Strâmtura and Glod combine architectural history with religious art: portals, windows, altar painting and icons are among their visible features.

The Schitul Cuvioasa Parascheva is located in the Valea Greblei valley, 5 km from the DN 18 national road. The Strâmtura Schitul is dedicated to Saint Pious Parascheva. A golden Bucium represents Strâmtura’s connection with the last Bucium players in Maramureş.

History

On 2 September 1717, local people ambushed the Tatar invaders at Piatra Țiganului, between Strâmtura and Bârsana. Piatra Țiganului is therefore part not only of the landscape along the Iza River, but also of a precisely dated episode in the area’s history.

Landscape

Below Strâmtura, the Iza narrows between Piatra Țiganului and Prisaca. After this narrowing, the river runs through the Surduc Gorge. On both sides of the Iza, the municipality’s area contains medium and high hills at elevations between 400 and 1,000 metres.

Near Glod, there is a mineral spring area with sulphurous, saline and carbonated springs. In addition, there is a sulphurous-carbonated Borcut spring with extensive travertine deposits.

Local Life and Hiking

A weekly market takes place at Podul Slătioarei between Strâmtura and Bârsana. Strâmtura’s community days feature traditional music and dances, a traditional costume show and local food. The current dates of the community days should be checked before travelling. For the weekly market, it is advisable to check the current market day before travelling.

A hike from Glod to Biserica Dracilor and to the summit of Măgura Glodului is described as approximately 10 km long and lasting 4–5 hours. Current route conditions should be checked before setting out.

For the broader travel overview: Maramureş.